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Penelope Bourbon has come a long way from its New Jersey roots, but has its rapid expansion changed what made the brand special? 🥃 This week on A Steady Pour, the fellas reconnect with a brand that's been close to our hearts since the early days, tasting three of Penelope's newer releases: Classic Bourbon, Classic Rye, and the golf-inspired Architect Golf Series, Hole One.

As we explore these expressions, the conversation takes an interesting turn toward Penelope's evolution following its acquisition by MGP and the growing number of bottles hitting shelves. Is Penelope creating something for everyone, or is the brand at risk of losing the identity that made whiskey enthusiasts fall in love with it? We reminisce about our early experiences with founders Mike and Danny, revisit the excitement surrounding releases like Rio and Valencia, and debate whether having more resources and fewer limitations actually leads to better whiskey.

Of course, we're putting the new pours to the test, breaking down their flavor profiles, value, and whether they're worth adding to your collection. With some surprising differences of opinion, plenty of laughs, and a little nostalgia, this episode goes beyond what's in the glass to explore what happens when a beloved craft brand grows into something much bigger.

Is Penelope's best whiskey still ahead of it, or was there something special about the early days? Pull up a chair, grab a glass, and join the conversation!

Editor's Note: This episode was recorded prior to the October 2026 announcement that MGP Ingredients would rebrand as Sempreon. References to MGP throughout the episode reflect the company's name at the time of recording.

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Angel's Envy had us doing a double take at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and now we're putting three of their most intriguing releases to the test! After an eye-opening conversation with Angel's Envy whiskey maker Owen Martin at KBF, the fellas revisit the pours that caught us by surprise and explore the creative direction he's taking the brand. We're tasting through a Kentucky Straight Rye finished in Peach Brandy and Toasted Oak barrels, a 10-Year Rye finished in Caribbean Rum casks, and a bold Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Stout and Amburana barrels. From peach-forward sweetness and rich rum influences to a unique expression inspired by Mexican hot chocolate, these aren't your typical whiskey finishes! But can these unconventional combinations deliver a balanced whiskey experience, or do some push the boundaries a little too far? And with bottles approaching $200, we have to ask whether the experience justifies the price. Along the way, we revisit Owen's approach to extended barrel finishing, blending, and the exciting innovations he has planned for Angel's Envy. Three unique expressions, some unexpected reactions, and plenty of spirited debate; pull up a chair, grab a glass, and find out which pours left their mark on A Steady Pour!

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What happens when you stop building someone else's brand and decide to create your own? This week on A Steady Pour, we're joined by returning guest Trey Wade, former Chief Experience Curator at Blue Run Spirits and now founder of Divergent Spirits, to talk about his bold new chapter in the spirits industry. Trey takes us behind the scenes of launching his own brand, from investing in whiskey barrels years before he had a company to challenging industry norms with his distinctive 375ml bottles and philosophy of accessible luxury. We get an exclusive look at Foundations, his inaugural 120-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon, as we break down the blend, explore its flavor profile, and discover the thought process behind every detail. But Trey isn't stopping at bourbon, as he shares his ambitious plans for rum, gin, agave spirits, and a single barrel program that promises to shake things up. We also get into the realities of launching a spirits brand in today's challenging market, the importance of supporting small businesses, and why building genuine relationships matters more than simply selling bottles. Of course, the conversation wouldn't be complete without some hilarious whiskey banter, a few unexpected interruptions, and plenty of gems from Trey along the way. Is Divergent Spirits about to redefine what a modern spirits brand can be? Pull up a chair, grab a glass, and find out!