Penelope Cocktails Blackberry Old Fashioned
Ready to Pour Cocktail
38% ABV
$30
Website
We would like to thank Luxco and The Brand Guild for sending us a sample to review.
What the Producer Says
Penelope Blackberry Old Fashioned is the newest addition to Penelope Bourbon’s collection of ready-to-pour cocktails, crafted for easy enjoyment from backyard gatherings to relaxed evenings with friends. The expression features a blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskey, orange bitters, and blackberry simple syrup for a vibrant, fruit-forward take on the classic cocktail. Bottled at 76 proof (38% ABV), it balances bright berry notes with layers of vanilla, oak, citrus, and warm spice, designed to be served simply over ice.
“We’re continuing to see consumers gravitate toward elevated ready-to-pour cocktails that deliver on both quality and convenience,” said Michael Paladini, Founder and Vice President of Strategy at Penelope Bourbon. “Our Blackberry Old Fashioned brings a fresh, fruit-forward element to a timeless cocktail while staying rooted in the whiskey character that defines Penelope.”
“An Old Fashioned is one of those cocktails people already know and love, so we wanted to put our own spin on it in a way that still felt approachable and true to Penelope,” added Danny Polise, Founder and Master Blender of Penelope Bourbon. “The blackberry brings a fresh and familiar layer without taking away from the bourbon and rye at the core. You still get that classic foundation with a little something unexpected. It’s balanced, easy to drink, and keeps the focus on the whiskey.”
TASTING NOTES
Aroma: Juicy blackberry, ripe fruit, and lemon.
Body: Vanilla, oak, light citrus, and berry.
Finish: Aromatic spice, deep plum, and fruit sweetness.
What Gary Says
Nose: Blackberry syrup with a hint of bitters.
Palate: Thick and syrupy with blackberry jam, honey, caramel and a bit of cinnamon.
Finish: Moderate in length with blackberry jam and honey.
Comments: I’ve had a few of these read-to-pour cocktails with mixed results, but this is a pretty good one. I think the ones that try to be a straight up Old Fashioned are competing with what someone expects in an Old Fashioned. Let’s be honest – if you’re making it at home, you likely prefer it a certain way – maybe heavier on the simple syrup, or lighter on the bitters, etc. I can honestly say I’ve never made a Blackberry Old Fashioned, so this isn’t competing with a standard. All that aside – the most important criteria: I enjoyed it! This tastes exactly like what it should – a whiskey cocktail (while the blackberry syrup element is front and center, you get enough caramel to know there’s bourbon inside). I did follow the instructions and chilled it first, although didn’t pour it over any rocks. It’s on the thick side ‘neat’ but still tasty. If I was entertaining – this is 12 cocktails – that’s under $3 a pop without any work other than pouring.