04/19/2025
Welcome to the first pour of our newest series: Savage Sip-Off.
Each month (or maybe more if we’re feeling feisty), we’ll be sipping our way through two bourbons that share a similar profile—comparing notes, digging into their stories, and ultimately naming our standout of the match-up.
We’re kicking things off with a rare and exciting face-off: Penelope Rio vs. TC Whiskey’s Amburana Finish—two stunning expressions finished in the elusive Amburana cask. Native to Brazil, Amburana wood brings bold, aromatic spice and sweetness to bourbon, making it a treat for seasoned palates and curious sippers alike.
Contender 1: Penelope Rio
• Proof: 98
• Age: 4 years
• Mashbill: 74% Corn, 16% Wheat, 7% Rye, 3% Malted Barley
• Cask Finish: American honey + Brazilian Amburana oak
• Tasting Notes: A sweet, honey-forward nose with warm cinnamon roll vibes. The palate leans into gingerbread, soft spice, and honey nectar. Silky, warm, and complex.
Contender 2: TC Whiskey Amburana Finish
• Proof: 105
• Age: 6 years
• Mashbill: TC’s sweetest mashbill
• Cask Finish: Charred virgin oak, then Amburana casks—each uniquely toasted
• Tasting Notes: Bold baking spices meet sweet vanilla, with a short but powerful Amburana finish that reminds us of Cinnamon Toast Crunch in all the best ways.
Each of these pours brings something special to the table—one with a dessert-like elegance, the other with bold spice and attitude. The final verdict?
hands down. The notes of this pour reminded us of grandma’s kitchen. Full of spices, sweetness and love. This was an easy (but not simple) pour of bourbon that brought us back home to our safe place: Nana’s kitchen.
Let the testing begin. Cheers to curiosity, craftsmanship, and the beautiful journey of bourbon.