{"product_id":"penelope-straight-bourbon-whiskey-architect-creme-brulee","title":"Penelope Straight Bourbon Whiskey Architect Creme Brulee","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePenelope Architect Crème Brûlée Straight Bourbon Whiskey\u003c\/strong\u003e takes the French-oak concept behind Penelope’s Architect series and turns the dial decidedly toward dessert. This special expression is \u003cstrong\u003eaged 5 years, finished with French oak staves and bottled at a substantial 110 proof (55% ABV)\u003c\/strong\u003e—a step up in intensity from the standard 104-proof Architect. The French oak comes from \u003cstrong\u003eTonnellerie Radoux\u003c\/strong\u003e, whose OakScan technology allows Penelope to select staves according to tannin and aromatic characteristics. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd yes—the \u003cstrong\u003eCrème Brûlée\u003c\/strong\u003e name is pretty accurate. The nose is loaded with \u003cstrong\u003evanilla custard, caramelized sugar and toasted marshmallow\u003c\/strong\u003e, along with sweet cream, cinnamon and polished French oak. There’s considerable sweetness aromatically, but the higher proof and oak influence keep it from smelling like flavored whiskey. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate is \u003cstrong\u003erich, creamy and assertive\u003c\/strong\u003e, showing vanilla bean, burnt sugar, caramel, toasted marshmallow and brown baking spices. Underneath that confectionary character is a distinctly spicy streak of cinnamon, pepper and toasted oak that gives the whiskey structure. At 110 proof, it carries some legitimate heat, but that extra horsepower also gives the creamy vanilla and caramelized flavors considerably more intensity. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe French oak becomes increasingly apparent through the middle and finish, adding \u003cstrong\u003etoasted vanilla, roasted spice, dry oak and a slightly tannic counterpoint\u003c\/strong\u003e to all that sweetness. The finish brings vanilla, caramelized sugar, toasted marshmallow and lingering oak spice, with hints of darker chocolate and espresso reported in independent tastings. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this interesting is that it isn't simply an ultra-sweet bourbon with a clever dessert name. The \u003cstrong\u003eFrench oak and 110-proof bottling give the Crème Brûlée profile some backbone\u003c\/strong\u003e. Think of the crackly burnt-sugar crust on an actual crème brûlée: sweet vanilla custard underneath, but caramelization, toast and a slightly bitter edge on top. That's essentially what Penelope is trying to capture here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVinny take:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eDessert in a whiskey glass—but with some horsepower. Vanilla custard, brûléed sugar, toasted marshmallow and caramel come roaring out of the glass, while French oak, cinnamon and baking spice keep things serious. At 110 proof, this ain’t some syrupy novelty bourbon—it’s Crème Brûlée with a blowtorch.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e***\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArchitecture is defined as the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings. Using those same principles, we wanted to build new and distinct flavor profiles that same way an Architect creates new innovative structures. Working in collaboration with Tonnellerie Radoux of France, the market leader in oak barrel manufacturing and innovation, we use French oak staves and their state-of-the-art OakScan® process to build a truly precise flavor profile within every bottle. After all, the best architecture leaves no room for error.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51672435753266,"sku":"088352143248","price":69.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0044\/7165\/2425\/files\/penecrulee.png?v=1787973158","url":"https:\/\/www.vintagewinemerchants.com\/products\/penelope-straight-bourbon-whiskey-architect-creme-brulee","provider":"Vintage Wine Merchants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}