Our Story

Penelope Bourbon was crafted and created in a classic American tradition – to celebrate an impending birth of a child. In 2018, Mike Paladini and his wife, Kerry, found out they were expecting a baby girl, Penelope.  To commemorate this occasion, Mike quickly realized he wanted to create a spirit that embodied the daily joy of celebrating life’s pleasures – big and small.

Teaming up with his close childhood friend and neighbor, Danny Polise, they set out to discover and produce a Straight Bourbon Whiskey everyone could appreciate and enjoy. A company was born.

Today, Penelope Bourbon is sold in over 27 states nationwide and 4 countries. Proving that with enough love and care, and hard work, anything is possible.

Meet the Team

We believe a team should be, well, a team – collaborating and working together to accomplish great things. It’s the best way to work, and the most fun. From our founding team to our newest hires, we’re an eclectic group of Bourbon enthusiasts and weekend warriors. We possess a certain joie de vivre and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Michael Paladini CEO & Founder

Michael PaladiniCEO & Founder

Daniel Polise COO & Founder

Daniel PoliseCOO & Founder

Kerry Paladini Creative Director

Kerry PaladiniCreative Director

Jayce Chavez VP, Production

Jayce ChavezVP, Production

Bridget Fitzgerald General Manager

Bridget FitzgeraldGeneral Manager

Matt Ward Vice President, Brand Strategy

Matt WardVice President, Brand Strategy

Darren Phinney Vice President, Sales

Darren PhinneyVice President, Sales

Wendy Peveich National Brand Ambassador

Wendy PeveichNational Brand Ambassador

Colleen Nealon Production Manager

Colleen NealonProduction Manager

Brian Vadinsky Market Manager - NJ

Brian VadinskyMarket Manager - NJ

JD Whittemore Market Manager - TX

JD WhittemoreMarket Manager - TX

Mike Moran Market Manager - AL/MS

Mike MoranMarket Manager - AL/MS

Christina Chavez Purchasing Agent

Christina ChavezPurchasing Agent

John Triano Shipping/Receiving Supervisor

John TrianoShipping/Receiving Supervisor

William Carvalho Logistics Coordinator

William CarvalhoLogistics Coordinator

PARTNERS

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

Penelope Bourbon is distilled at MGP’s historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery. The distillery was founded in 1847.

Bardstown Bourbon Company

Operating one of the most sophisticated distilleries in the country, with a focus on transparency — all open spaces and clear glass — putting the science and craft of whiskey-making front and center for all to see.

Speyside Cooperage

Since 1947, the family owned Speyside Cooperage has produced the finest casks from the best American Oak. Speyside assists Penelope Bourbon in sourcing unique oak casks for Penelope Bourbon finishes.