Penelope Bourbon Releases Highly Anticipated Rio

Popular double-cask finished fan favorite is back in limited quantities

ST. LOUIS, March 4, 2025 – The carnival in a bottle is back. Penelope Bourbon announced the release of Rio, one of its most sought-after annual releases in its innovative Cooper Series of cask-finished bourbons. At 98 proof (49% ABV), the latest batch of Rio will be available in limited quantities nationwide in March at a suggested minimum retail price of $79.99 per 750-mL bottle.

March at a suggested minimum retail price of $79.99 per 750-mL bottle.

Rio continues Penelope’s legacy of innovation with its unique blending and finishing techniques. Inspired by Brazilian joy, this limited-allocation release is sought after by bourbon collectors and connoisseurs, though it was crafted to be shared in celebratory moments by anyone looking for an innovative bourbon. With a mash bill of 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat and 3% malted barley, this party in a bottle delights the senses with its double finish in American honey and Brazilian Amburana oak barrels.

"Rio is one of our most unique releases of the year," said Mike Paladini, Penelope Bourbon founder and vice president of strategy for MGP. "The combination of a double finish using Brazilian Amburana barrels and honey barrels complement each other so well. This year’s came out incredible and we can’t wait for people to enjoy it."

Rio brings a sweet honey aroma with a fun cinnamon roll note on the nose, tastes of gingerbread, honey nectar and sweet baking spice on the palate, and a long and savory finish with subtle notes of sweet honey and spice.

"Rio is one of the more interesting blends we make. The unlikely marriage between the American honey and Brazilian hardwood barrels produces a unique mix of flavor notes," said Danny Polise, Penelope Bourbon founder and master blender. "I still remember the first time we blended the two finishes to reveal what this double finish could be. I loved it for the innovative flavor profile. Something different and fun to enjoy and share."

Rio won Double Gold in the American Blended Whiskey category at the 2024 SIP Awards. As one of the most popular expressions in the Penelope Cooper Series, Rio represents innovation and artistry in bourbon through its inspired flavor profile and unique finishing process. Other annual releases in the Penelope Cooper Series of bourbons finished in unique casks from around the world include Havana, Rose, Tokaji and Valencia.

A product locator for the Penelope family of bourbons can be found here.

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON

Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has become one of the country’s fastest-growing whiskey brands. Named after founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope Bourbon offers a range of uniquely blended and finished straight bourbon and rye whiskey expressions, known for their smoothness and rich flavor, perfect for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails.

Penelope’s core expressions, including Wheated, Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect, and Toasted Bourbon, have won more than 40 awards across the spirits industry. In 2024 alone, Penelope won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Barrel Strength and Toasted Rye, alongside innovation awards for limited releases such as Rio.

Penelope Bourbon continues to innovate within its Cooper Series, Limited Releases, and Estate Collection, further establishing its place among the top premium whiskey brands. Today, Penelope is available in 50 states and seven countries, proving that with passion, dedication, and love, anything is possible.

For more information, visit penelopebourbon.com or follow us on social media @penelopebourbon (Instagram/Facebook).