140.2 PROOF?! Penelope 18yr Hazmat vs. 15yr Founders Reserve | American Light Whiskey Battle
Is older and higher proof always better? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Wayne and Rebecca dive into a massive “Paradox of Light Whiskey” vertical tasting! We are cracking open two heavy-hitters from Penelope Bourbon: the 15 Year Founders Reserve and the brand new 18 Year Limited Release (clocking in at a massive 140.2 proof!).
Many people are confused by the “Light Whiskey” name—thinking it means low calorie or low alcohol. It’s actually the opposite! We explain the science behind why these MGP-distilled corn whiskeys reach such high proofs while maintaining a “dessert-forward” profile of butterscotch, vanilla, and crème brûlée.
We compare these modern giants to vintage pours like Old Crow Light Whiskey and explore why these high-proof expressions are surprisingly delicate and creamy. Stick around to find out which bottle wins on the nose and which takes the crown on the palate!
In this video, we cover:
- The technical definition of American Light Whiskey (ALW).
- Why used-oak aging creates such high proof.
- Tasting notes for Penelope 15yr vs. 18yr.
- The “Hazmat” status of the 2026 18-year release.
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Penelope 15 Year Founders Reserve
- Classification: American Light Whiskey
- Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
- Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
- Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
- Age: 15 Years
- Proof: 128.4
- MSRP: $90-100
- Released: 2023
- Other: Part of the “Founders Reserve” series; aged in used Cooperage (charred oak barrels).
- Purchased: 12/21/23 for $109.99 at High Spirits Liqueur in Evansville, IN
Penelope 18 Year Limited Release
- Classification: American Light Whiskey
- Company: Penelope Bourbon (A subsidiary of MGP/Luxco)
- Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)
- Mash Bill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
- Age: 18 Years
- Proof: 140.2
- MSRP: $109.99
- Released: 2026
- Other: Achieved “Hazmat” status (over 140 proof); limited batch release following the 17-year 2025 drop.
- Purchased: 03/28/26 for $109.99 at Lux Row Distillery
❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌
🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨
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NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.
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