Overview: Penelope Bourbon has announced the arrival of Madagascar, the newest addition to its Cooper Series collection. This Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey undergoes a finishing process in Cognac casks, layering familiar bourbon sweetness with notes of candied fruit, vanilla, and warm spice. The release was officially announced on November 3, 2026, positioning the spirit as an ideal pour for the holiday season.
The Full Story
Penelope Bourbon introduces Madagascar, the latest expression in its Cooper Series, a collection that explores the art of cask finishing. Beginning with Penelope’s signature Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey and finished in Cognac casks, Madagascar brings together familiar bourbon sweetness and layers of candied fruit, vanilla and warm spice. Michael Paladini, Founder and Vice President of Strategy at Penelope Bourbon, stated that the goal was to explore how finishing in Cognac casks can bring a new dimension to their popular Four Grain Straight Bourbon.
Master Blender Daniel Polise emphasized finding the right balance, ensuring the finish added something without taking away from the whiskey itself. The result is a profile featuring vanilla bean and brown sugar on the nose, transitioning to caramel, peanut, cinnamon, and vanilla wafer on the palate, before concluding with candied fruit, slight spice, and marshmallow. Penelope Madagascar is available for purchase online and at select retailers nationwide.
Production & Profile
Bottled at 99 proof, the spirit opens with distinct aromatics of vanilla bean, brown sugar, and candied citrus. The palate delivers caramel, peanut, cinnamon, and vanilla wafer, leading to a finish characterized by candied fruit, slight spice, and marshmallow. This expression joins other entries in the Cooper Series, which explores the art of cooperage and cask finishing.
Previous expressions include Havana finished in Caribbean rum and maple syrup casks, Rio double finished in American honey and Brazilian oak casks, and Riviera finished in Spanish rosé wine casks. The brand continues to innovate within its Cooper Series, Limited Releases and Estate Collection to further establish its place among the top premium whiskey brands.
Brand & Industry History
Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has established itself as one of the fastest-growing, award-winning premium whiskey brands. The brand is part of Sempreon, formerly known as MGP Ingredients and Luxco, a leading global producer with a legacy dating back to 1941. The Cooper Series takes its name from Cooper, the son of Penelope Bourbon’s founder Daniel Polise, nodding to the craft of cooperage used in aging and finishing spirits.
What This Means
The introduction of Madagascar reflects the brand’s spirit of experimentation and discovery, allowing master blender Danny Polise to explore how unique finishing casks can transform whiskey. This release builds on a familiar foundation while exploring new ways for consumers to experience Penelope Bourbon. The brand continues to innovate within its Cooper Series, Limited Releases and Estate Collection to further establish its place among the top premium whiskey brands.
Consumer Takeaway
Penelope Madagascar is available for purchase online and at select retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $79.99. The bottle offers a sweet, layered profile with a subtle warmth, delivering notes perfect for the holiday season.
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