Penelope Bourbon Masterclass & Dinner at Whiskey Crusaders
How do you get from an approachable four-grain bourbon to an 18-year-old American Light Whiskey?
Apparently, you pour six other whiskeys along the way.
On Friday, October 9, Whiskey Crusaders is hosting a Penelope Bourbon Masterclass & Dinner at the Whiskey Castle in Hurst, Texas. Penelope Market Manager JD Whittemore will guide guests through seven expressions spanning bourbon, rye, wheated whiskey, toasted barrels and specialty finishes.
There's also a Blackberry Old Fashioned to get things started and a full dinner included with your ticket.
Seven Whiskeys. Several Different Directions.
Penelope was founded in 2018 and initially built its reputation around its Four Grain Bourbon. Since then, its portfolio has expanded into different mash bills, barrel treatments, finishes and whiskey styles.
This masterclass is an opportunity to taste several of those approaches side by side while learning about the decisions behind them.
JD Whittemore will lead the tasting, with pours ranging from Penelope's Kentucky Bourbon to its 18 Year American Light Whiskey.
Here's the evening's lineup:
Welcome Cocktail: Penelope Blackberry Old Fashioned
Penelope Kentucky Bourbon
Penelope Rye
Penelope Wheated
Penelope Toasted
Penelope Riviera
Penelope 18 Year American Light Whiskey
That last pour should be particularly interesting. Eighteen years is a considerable amount of time for a whiskey to spend in a barrel, and American Light Whiskey provides a different point of comparison from the bourbon and rye expressions earlier in the tasting.
For anyone curious about how mash bills, aging and barrel treatments change what's in the glass, this is a chance to explore those differences without having to purchase seven bottles.
Your wallet appreciates the educational opportunity.
Dinner at the Whiskey Castle
The evening also includes a full dinner, although the menu hasn't been announced yet.
The masterclass begins at 7 p.m., with tickets priced at $75 per person.
Event Details
Event: Penelope Bourbon Masterclass & Dinner
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Whiskey Crusaders Whiskey Castle
Address: 173 W. Harwood Rd., Hurst, TX 76054
Presenter: JD Whittemore, Penelope Market Manager
Tickets: $75
Includes: Welcome cocktail, guided whiskey tasting and dinner
Purchase tickets through Whiskey Crusaders
Find More Texas Whiskey Events
Looking for another excuse to learn something while drinking whiskey?
Check out the other Whiskey Crusaders Events, browse upcoming North Texas whiskey events or explore the full Texas Whiskey Events Calendar for masterclasses, tastings, bottle releases, pairing dinners and whiskey festivals happening across the state.
Event Disclaimer
Event details, tasting selections, dinner menus, ticket availability and schedules may change. Verify current information with Whiskey Crusaders before attending. Please drink responsibly and arrange transportation if needed.
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