Orange zest | Baking spices | Pear | Slight herbal undertone | Light

Caramel | White pepper | Citrus | Allspice on the backend | Velvety mouthfeel

Allspice | Light pepper | Apricot | Brown sugar | Medium length

First launched in 2022, the 2025 Penelope F*ck Cancer collaboration is the fourth in the annual charity series, consisting of a two-bottle release in partnership with the nonprofit, FCancer (also known as Fuck Cancer and F*ck Cancer). The release consists of 60,000 94 proof bottles and an undisclosed number of cask strength bottles. Penelope Bourbon and its retailer partner, SharedPour, have committed a combined $500,000 to support FCancer, with its mission: “To make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.” Each bottle label also features a QR code that directs consumers to a donation page, allowing them to make a personal donation if they choose. 

Penelope Bourbon has an ever-expanding list of releases, each of which vies for your attention in a unique way. This release focuses less on the whiskey and more on the collaboration with FCancer, which is front and center on the label and prominently marketed. 

Thankfully, the whiskey inside the bottle is approachable and immediately likable, so whiskey fans who purchase with the intent of supporting the charity will also be rewarded with a bottle of whiskey that is hard to dislike. Labeled a blend of straight whiskeys as opposed to bourbon in order to keep options open from year to year in terms of what future blends and distillates could be (both Kentucky and Indiana sources), 2025’s version is a blend of straight bourbons that all originates from Ross & Squibb Distillery. The whiskey’s most notable flavors include prominent orange zest on the nose and citrus on the palate. They’re supported by a cast of spices including baking spices, white pepper, and allspice, along with complementary flavors of pear, apricot, caramel, and brown sugar. Also notable is the velvety mouthfeel, which is most evident at the whiskey’s midpoint and delivers a “smooth” characteristic many bourbon fans who enjoy sub-100 proof pours tend to clamor for. This is an easy recommendation, as it's a good bourbon for a good cause.