Penelope X T8KE Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sauternes Casks Review.
Penelope X T8KE Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sauternes Casks Review.
Penelope has been on a real tear lately, and 2025 feels like the year they simply refused to miss. Their track record with MGP distillate has been impressive, but this collaboration with T8ke immediately stood out. Take has long been a respected reviewer and a guiding hand in the r/bourbon community, so hearing he was teaming up with Penelope made this an instant “must buy.”
The bottle itself looks regal, with a noble blue label that feels elevated without trying too hard. And once I learned this was a blend of five to seven-year-old bourbon finished in Sauternes casks at barrel proof, I knew this was going to be something different. Sauternes is a French dessert wine known for its sweetness and expensive barrel costs, so expectations were set high before the cork even moved. Amusingly, this is listed as a “single barrel” despite yielding 900 bottles. Whether that’s a massive cask or loose interpretation, the end result is what matters, and T8ke reportedly spent several years bringing this to life.
Age Statement: 5+ years. (blend of 5 to 7 years).
ABV: 58.1% (Single barrel & cask strength).
Mash bill: 74% corn, 8% rye, 15% wheat, and 3% malted barley.
Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Finishing: Sauternes Wine Cask.
Appearance: Deep copper.
On the nose:
On the nose:
The nose opens with rich orchard fruits, especially bright juicy apples. That Sauternes sweetness steps forward immediately and integrates beautifully with classic bourbon notes of vanilla, caramel, and soft oak. There’s a creamy butteriness, a little brown sugar, and a toasted marshmallow quality that adds depth. No harsh edges, no intrusive alcohol, no sour wine notes. It’s floral, sweet, and almost like walking through an apple orchard at peak season.
Taste:
The palate is viscous with a surprising amount of spice considering the low rye content. Honey, stewed fruits, apples, pears, and hints of candied ginger all weave together. The wine finish doesn’t overwhelm the bourbon; instead, it balances the sweetness with herbal notes and a soft spice that keeps the sip interesting. Toasted oak, caramel, and brown sugars follow behind the fruit notes, letting the bourbon character still have its moment.
This drinks like a dessert whiskey, but not in a sugary or artificial way. It reminds me of the richness of ice wine: something luxurious you only need a small pour of, but every sip feels like an experience.
Finish:
Long, soft, and full of orchard fruit sweetness. The dessert wine influence lingers gracefully while spice, honey, and stewed fruit tones drift across the palate. It never becomes cloying, and the integration is excellent. It’s the kind of finish that makes you pause before going back in for another sip.
Final Thoughts:
At $85, this release sits just a few dollars above Penelope’s typical single barrel pricing, and the finish feels worth the premium. The execution is tight, expressive, and layered without losing the identity of the bourbon. It’s exactly what you hope for in a finished product: the bourbon shines, the finishing cask accents, and nothing gets lost.
This is a sit-down-after-dinner kind of pour. An experience glass. Something to savor slowly. Penelope and Take delivered a thoughtful, delicious collaboration that showcases how good a wine finish can be when the balance is right.
Rating: A (Excellent).
Cost: $84.99 for 750ml.
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