Penelope Rio Honey Finished Rye Review Insights

Quick Facts

• What it is: Penelope Bourbon • Penelope Rio • Double cask finished bourbon
• Proof/ABV: 98 proof / 49% ABV
• Age: No age stated
• Mash bill: 74% corn / 16% wheat / 7% rye / 3% malted barley
• Typical Price: $80–$90 (MSRP)

Is This for Me?

• You’ll probably like this if: you enjoy bourbon with rich dessert notes like honey, butterscotch, and baking spices.
• Maybe skip if: you prefer smoother, less spicy profiles or shy away from limited release bottles.

Flavor Profile and Penelope Rio Honey Finished Rye vs Other Ryes Tasting Notes, Pros and Cons, and Rating/Score at a Glance

• Sweetness: 7
• Rye Spice: 6
• Herbal/Mint: 3
• Fruit: 5
• Oak/Vanilla: 7
• Body: 8
• Heat: 5
• Finish Length: 8

What Penelope Rio Tastes Like

• Nose: Honey, cinnamon, vanilla, flamed orange, with a subtle hint of butterscotch.
• Palate: Gingerbread, honey nectar, chocolate-orange, baking spice.
• Finish: Long and sweet-savory with toasted oak, black tea, and honey.

Best Ways to Enjoy

• Neat: Enjoy the complexity without dilution.
• With a splash of water: Softens spice and enhances sweetness.
• On ice: Chills and adds a refreshing twist.

Cocktail Fit Scores:

• Manhattan: 4/5
• Old Fashioned: 5/5
• Whiskey Sour: 3/5
• Boulevardier: 4/5

Tip: A cube softens the bold spice and enhances honey tones.

Price & Value Context

• Typical Price Range: $80–$90
• Value Note: Good value for those who appreciate rich, complex finishes in their bourbon.

Bottle Transparency

• Distillery Info: Produced by Penelope Bourbon, a brand that continually refines its craft and sometimes draws inspiration from traditional processes similar to those used by mgp.
• Barrel Details: Finished in honey barrels and Amburana casks
• Filtration: Non-chill-filtered
• Production Notes: Crafted with a distinctive grain blend and a double finishing approach in specialty barrels, adding unique flavor depth.

Quick Overview

Penelope Rio is a superb expression within Penelope's Cooper Series, artfully crafted and distilled to a robust 98 proof with a four-grain mash bill that highlights corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley. Offering a unique double-cask finish, it begins its journey in honey barrels before maturing in Amburana casks, known for imparting spicy, cinnamon-like notes. This limited annual release charms with its dessert-like aroma featuring honey, vanilla, and a whisper of butterscotch, balanced by the complexities of gingerbread, chocolate, and dried chiles on the palate. Perfect for both seasoned aficionados and newcomers, Rio entices with its long, sweet-savory finish, making it an exceptional gift for any whiskey enthusiast.

The RyeCentral Penelope Rio Honey Finished Rye Review

Welcome to our friendly corner of the whiskey world! Today, we’re diving into the heart of Penelope Rio, exploring what makes it stand out in a sea of rye whiskey reviews. If you’re seeking an unbiased rye whiskey review, you’re in the right place to uncover the nuances of this delightful bourbon.

Penelope Rio certainly stands out as one of the best rye whiskeys, owing to its innovative double-cask finishing in honey and Amburana barrels. This process gifts it a rich, dessert-like aroma with a lively spice undercurrent, making it a staple for those who relish the best whiskey in the USA. At 98 proof and non-chill-filtered, it reveals a depth and complexity that’s hard to resist, while its approach sometimes brings to mind the meticulous style found in mgp-crafted spirits.

On the nose, you’ll find a sweet symphony of honey, cinnamon, and vanilla with hints of flamed orange and butterscotch. As you sip, the palate unfolds with a warm embrace of gingerbread, honey nectar, and a playful dash of chocolate-orange, accented by baking spices. It’s this balance of sweetness and spice that positions Rio among the best American rye whiskey options for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Whether you’re a seasoned taster or a curious beginner, enjoying Penelope Rio neat showcases its complexity without dilution. For a softer experience, a splash of water can mellow out the spice and elevate the sweetness. If you’re a fan of on-the-rocks, a cube or two adds a refreshing twist, amplifying those rich honey and butterscotch tones.

When it comes to cocktails, Penelope Rio truly shines. It’s a contender for the best rye for Old Fashioneds, achieving a 5/5 on our cocktail fit score, and a solid choice for a Manhattan or Boulevardier. Its adaptability and rich flavor profile make it a popular pick in the best rye whiskey reviews, earning the Penelope Rio honey finished rye tasting notes a high rating / score among enthusiasts.

Priced at about $80–$90, Penelope Rio offers great value for those who appreciate a rich and complex bourbon finish. This limited annual release is not only a great addition to your collection but also a perfect gift idea for whiskey enthusiasts who might have a sweet spot for honey finishes and nuanced notes reminiscent of butterscotch.

In conclusion, Penelope Rio emerges as a superb expression within the world of cask-finished bourbons, making it essential to explore the Penelope Rio honey finished rye pros and cons, setting the stage for a comparison of Penelope Rio honey finished rye vs other ryes. Its unique personality and commitment to quality make it a must-try for anyone interested in discovering the best rye whiskeys on offer today. Whether you are savoring it neat or in an indulgent cocktail, this whiskey promises shared enjoyment and simple pleasure, warmly inviting you to become part of its story.

Community Tasting Notes

Top 5 Community-Reported Flavors

1. Honey
2. Cinnamon
3. Chocolate-Orange
4. Gingerbread
5. Toasted Oak

Community Score: 4.4 (based on 275 ratings)

Most ratings for Penelope Rio Honey Finished Rye fall within 4.–4.5, indicating a generally high level of appreciation, especially when considering its unique pros and cons. This variance suggests a consistent enjoyment of its unique flavor profile among whiskey enthusiasts.

Tried Penelope Rio? We Need Your Rye Whiskey Review!

Join the growing RyeCentral.com community and share your honest Penelope Rio Honey Finished Rye tasting notes. Your review helps other whiskey lovers — from seasoned experts to curious newcomers — discover new favorites and find bottles that match their unique flavor preferences.

Be part of the first dedicated Rye Whiskey Review Community built to connect taste profiles with the perfect pour.

Pros	Cons
Unique finish with honey and Amburana casks, offering distinct dessert-like flavors with a touch of butterscotch.	Limited availability could make it challenging to find.
Appeals to those who appreciate dessert-leaning whiskey profiles.	Higher price point ($80–$90) may not suit every budget.
Versatile for both sipping neat and mixing in cocktails like Old Fashioneds.	May not appeal to those who prefer traditional bourbon flavors.
Warm welcome to newcomers and seasoned whiskey fans looking for something new.	Some may find the sweet-spice balance isn’t their preference.
High community rating (4.4) indicates overall enjoyment among enthusiasts, and the Penelope Rio Honey Finished Rye rating / score consistently highlights its unique flavor appeal.	Annual release means supplies could quickly deplete.

FAQs for Penelope Rio Honey Finished Rye

1. What flavors can I expect when tasting Penelope Rio Honey Finished Rye? Penelope Rio offers a delightful blend of honey, cinnamon, and chocolate-orange notes with hints of gingerbread, toasted oak, and subtle butterscotch. Its unique cask finish provides a dessert-like experience with a balanced spice undercurrent.
2. How is Penelope Rio Honey Finished Rye matured and finished? This bourbon is first matured in traditional barrels and then double-finished in honey barrels and Amburana casks, which infuses it with its distinctive sweet and spice flavors that whiskey lovers cherish. Its modern approach is sometimes compared to methods used by mgp, highlighting its innovative edge.
3. Is Penelope Rio Honey Finished Rye a good option for cocktails as well as sipping neat? Absolutely! Its versatile flavor profile works beautifully both when sipped neat or incorporated into cocktails like an indulgent Old Fashioned, making it a delightful choice for various occasions.
4. What is the price range for Penelope Rio Honey Finished Rye, and is it widely available? The suggested retail price ranges from $80 to $90. However, given its limited annual release, availability can be quite scarce, so grabbing a bottle when spotted is advisable for whiskey aficionados.
5. Why is Penelope Rio Honey Finished Rye considered a great gift for whiskey enthusiasts? With its unique honey and Amburana cask finish, 98 proof, and a four-grain mash bill, Penelope Rio stands out in the penelope rio honey finished rye vs other ryes as a special, limited release that offers a rich, dessert-like flavor with hints of butterscotch—sure to delight both new and experienced whiskey enthusiasts.

Important: RyeCentral.com does not sell alcohol. We publish independent rye whiskey reviews, ratings, and community tasting notes to help you discover the right bottle.