Penelope Bourbon Rolls Out Cigar Sessions: Chapter 2, Crafted in Partnership with Alec Bradley Cigars
The second release in the annual Cigar Sessions series is a high-proof American whiskey built with the depth to stand
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Penelope Bourbon is taking its annual Cigar Sessions series to a bolder place with the release of Cigar Sessions: Chapter 2, a high-proof American whiskey crafted in collaboration with renowned cigar-makers Alec Bradley. The new expression brings together Penelope’s blending expertise and Alec Bradley’s decades of cigar-making experience to create a whiskey specifically designed to complement medium to full-bodied cigars.
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Penelope Bourbon Rolls Out Cigar Sessions: Chapter 2, Crafted in Partnership with Alec Bradley Cigars
Cigar Sessions: Chapter 2 was developed as a true collaboration, with Penelope’s blending team and Alec Bradley’s cigar blenders working together from the start. The result is a whiskey purposely built for a smoke, with the depth and intensity to stand alongside a bolder cigar while maintaining the balance and complexity that define Penelope Bourbon.
“Whiskey and cigars have always been an iconic pairing, built around the same appreciation for craft, patience and ritual,” said Michael Paladini, founder and vice president of strategy at Penelope Bourbon. “With Chapter 2, we wanted to take that classic pairing a step further by bringing the people behind both to the table. The goal was to create a whiskey purpose-built for a smoke, and the Alec Bradley team brought the same obsession with craft that we bring to blending whiskey.”
“A full-bodied cigar needs a whiskey that won’t back down from it,” said Alec Rubin, brand manager of strategic partnerships at Alec Bradley. “Working with Penelope’s blending team from the start let us build something bold without either one overpowering the other.”
Bottled at 117.4 proof and aged six years, Cigar Sessions: Chapter 2 features a mash bill of 69% corn, 19% rye and 12% malt. Made in small batches, the whiskey opens with notes of toasted oak, dark caramel, leather and baking spice on the nose, followed by charred brown sugar, sweet corn, cocoa and creamy malt on the palate. The finish carries dark chocolate, seasoned oak, and warm spice that lingers alongside the smoke.
“Chapter 2 was an exciting collaboration between cigar and whiskey blenders,” said Danny Polise, founder and master blender of Penelope Bourbon. “We would adjust the blend, taste it alongside the cigars, get the Alec Bradley team’s feedback and keep dialing it together. That process helped us find the right balance of proof, depth, and flavor so the whiskey could stand up to a fuller-bodied cigar without either one overpowering the other.”
The partnership brings together two brands with family woven into their stories from the start. Penelope Bourbon was named after Michael Paladini’s daughter, while Alec Bradley was named for founder Alan Rubin’s sons, Alec and Bradley. That shared connection adds a personal dimension to a partnership rooted in shared passion for craftsmanship.
“Family has always been at the heart of Alec Bradley, so it’s especially meaningful to be partnering with a brand that carries that same spirit,” said Bradley Rubin, brand manager and ambassador at Alec Bradley. “Bringing our two teams together on Cigar Sessions: Chapter 2 felt like a natural fit. We share a deep respect for the craft behind what we make, and we’re excited to see how that shared passion comes through in the pairing.”
Penelope Bourbon Cigar Sessions: Chapter 2 (SRP $79.99) is currently available for purchase at select retailers nationwide while supplies last. For more information on Penelope Bourbon, visit penelopebourbon.com or follow @penelopebourbon on Instagram.
About Penelope Bourbon
Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has become one of the fastest-growing, award-winning premium whiskey brands. We offer a range of uniquely blended and finished straight bourbon and whiskey expressions known for their smoothness and rich flavor, and premium handcrafted ready-to-serve cocktails. Our products have won many spirits industry awards including Best in Class finalist and a Double Gold medal for Toasted at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Wheated earned a Double Platinum medal and Peach Old Fashioned and Black Walnut Old Fashioned ready-to-pour cocktails earned Platinum medals at the 2025 ASCOT Awards. We continue to innovate within our Cooper Series, Limited Releases and Estate Collection to further establish our place among the top premium whiskey brands and prove that with passion, dedication, and love, anything is possible. For more information, visit PenelopeBourbon.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
About Luxco
Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products with a mission to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates, and business partners. Luxco operates as MGP Ingredients Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) Branded Spirits division since its acquisition in 2021. The company’s extensive and award-winning premium portfolio includes brands from four distilleries: MGP Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where MGP Bourbon, Penelope and Remus bourbon are produced; Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Blood Oath bourbons; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Bourbon; and Arandas, Mexico-based Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas including Cortada, El Mayor, Escasa, and Exotico. For more information, visit Luxco.com.
About Alec Bradley
Founded in 1996 with a passion for bringing fresh perspectives to premium cigars, Alec Bradley has grown into one of the industry’s most respected and award-winning cigar brands. We offer a portfolio of thoughtfully crafted cigars ranging from timeless classics to innovative blends, each designed to deliver exceptional quality, flavor, and character. Our cigars have earned some of the industry’s highest accolades, including Cigar of Year honors and numerous 90+ ratings from leading publications. Through continued innovation across our collections, we challenge convention, spark curiosity, and create memorable smoking experiences that inspire enthusiasts to explore new possibilities in premium cigars. For more information, visit AlecBradleyCigars.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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