Penelope Cigar Session Chapter 2 American Whisky Review
In-Depth Review
Recently, cigar blends have become an incredibly popular subcategory in the American whisky world. Made (partially) famous due to success of Joseph Mangus Cigar Blend expression, they are whiskies crafted specifically to complement (and stand up to) the rich, smokey flavors from a cigar. And while that feels like a pretty broad category, it tends to lead to rich, hot whiskies that mirror the tobacco, smoke, and leather you might get some smoking your favorite cigar. But without that smoking experience, are these whiskies worth seeking out?
Today’s whisky comes courtesy of Penelope – a brand who has never given a second thought to “Is our lineup too large?”, “Should we experiment with that style?” or “Is our table too small for everything we are bringing to this whisky festival?” And I absolutely love them for that. They’ve never heard of a niche they won’t explore and today we are getting the chance to try the new Chapter 2 of their Cigar Sessions expression.
Using a 6 year American whisky as a foundation, this limited expression was designed in conjunction with renowned cigar makers Alec Bradley. This expression features a mashbill of 69% corn, 19% rye and 12% malt. It is then bottled at 117.4 proof and comes in at a retail price of $79.99 with limited availability nationwide. So, if you’re a cigar smoker, is this worth seeking out? Let’s dive in and find out.
Age: 6 Years Old
ABV: 58.7%
Cask: Not disclosed at the time of writing
MSRP: $79.99
Distillery Name: Penelope (MGP)
Review Date: 9/23/26
Color: Dark Mahogony
Nose: Immediately on the first pour the nose is rich chocolate, meaty, malty, with layers of charcoal, barrel char, and whisps of smoke. This is definitely aggressive, in your face, and isn’t afraid to throw up some unique and interesting notes. As it settles, it becomes more brooding, with burnt rubber, smoked meats, and kerosene all popping from the glass. It’s an unusual nose that won’t be for everyone – and takes a significant left turn from the more traditional bourbon profile Penelope is known for.
Palate: Pop rocks. The tingling minerality and strong sugary profile leaps off the tongue and gives a bright, big note on the front of the palate before moving into a darker, thicker oaky heat as it transitions into the finish. The mouthfeel is medium bodied while the heat is never shy. It’s no wilting daisy, and I could easily see this putting up a fight against even the most robust cigars.
Finish: Medium length finish with more of the Pop Rocks effervescence mixed with spiced rum cake, bitter oak, and more burnt rubber. It lingers between sips without becoming hot – leaving just enough interest to keep going back for more.
Final Thoughts: Penelope’s Cigar Sessions Chapter 2 feels like an off-profile experiment from a brand who is no stranger to pushing the envelope. And it won’t be for everyone – in particular those who are more used to Penelope’s core range of bourbon and rye whiskies. But for those who love a little adventure, and enjoy a strong, dark, brooding (not so bourbon forward) character – this might be one of the more interesting releases this fall. It isn’t shy – and has a bright minerality and building heat that keeps you coming back for more. I’m not a cigar kind of guy, but I think this nails the brief for a pour that will cut through the smoke while providing a nice little detour from Penelope’s expected core range.
