Penelope Toasted Rye Barrel Finish Review

Distillery: Penelope Bourbon—Bardstown, Kentucky

Proof: 100.0 (50.0% ABV)

Age: Four Years

Mashbill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley

MSRP: $80

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Penelope Toasted Rye Barrel Finish: A Toast of Complexity

Founded in 2018 and named after one of the founder’s daughters, Penelope Bourbon has built a reputation for crafting approachable, balanced whiskey expressions. With a continuously growing lineup of unique offerings, Penelope aims to appeal to a broad spectrum of whiskey newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. If you’ve ever browsed their products, you’ve likely noticed the extensive range of options—which, admittedly, can feel overwhelming to decipher.

Among these offerings is the Penelope Toasted Rye Barrel Finish, a rye expression finished in a heavy toasted barrel designed to bring out additional layers of the whiskey’s flavor and profile. Known for pushing boundaries in their , does Penelope once again deliver a whiskey that is innovative and inviting?

Let’s see how this Toasted Rye stands out in their wide and impressive portfolio.

Penelope Toasted Rye Barrel Finish Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.5/5

The Nose is a delightful blend of spice and the sweetness of fresh cut apples. Influences from the toasted barrel create notes of browned marshmallows and warm vanilla.  All-in-all, a rich and savory profile on the Nose.

Palate – 4.5/5

An oily mouthfeel contributes to a vibrant and full-bodied Palate with a punch of rye spice that quickly gives way to toasted oak and creamy vanilla. Mid-Palate reveals notes of graham crackers, dark chocolate, and a slight touch of citrus zest.  This is a standout whiskey on the Palate.

Finish – 4.25/5

The medium-long Finish lingers with notes of charred oak, baking spices, and a subtle toasted tropical sweetness. Slightly dry at the very end nicely ties the experience together.

Value – 4.5/5

Priced at $80, Penelope Toasted Rye Barrel Finish resides in the premium category.  With premium pricing comes an expectation for a premium experience—and this expression delivers.  While sourced whiskey can sometimes carry a value bias, the quality here speaks for itself, justifying the price point.

Penelope Toasted Rye Barrel Finish Review: The Verdict

Penelope Toasted Rye Barrel Finish is a testament to the transformative power of Secondary Finishing. By pairing the bold spice of rye with the nuance of toasted oak, Penelope has crafted a whiskey that feels both familiar and wonderfully different.

Verdict – 4.5/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3