Penelope Toasted Rye Review: Tasting Notes & Rating

A Toasted Barrel Triumph in Premium Rye

Penelope Bourbon's Toasted Rye Whiskey represents a thoughtful exploration of barrel finishing in the rye category. By selecting MGP's proven 95% rye mash bill and finishing it in new, heavily toasted (lightly charred) barrels, Penelope delivers a whiskey that's bold, warm, and distinctly oak-forward. At 6 years and 100 proof, this is rye whiskey for those who embrace barrel character.

The Toasted Barrel Advantage

The toasted barrel finish is not a gimmick here—it's a deliberate choice that transforms the flavor profile of what would otherwise be a standard MGP rye. Toasting (as opposed to charring) caramelizes the wood sugars and develops vanilla and caramel notes without the intense char influence. The result is a whiskey that prioritizes sweetness and oak smoothness while maintaining rye structure beneath. At 100 proof and 6 years old, the spirit is mature enough to withstand this aggressive barrel finishing.

Warm Spice Meets Toasted Oak

The nose immediately announces cinnamon and baking spice, with spearmint and cedar layered underneath. Honey and toasted oak notes suggest the barrel's contribution. On the palate, toasted oak dominates at first, followed by butterscotch and caramel sweetness. Dark chocolate and white pepper emerge mid-sip, creating complexity. The finish is long and warming, with lingering spice and toasted oak sweetness that evolves over minutes. The profile is less about traditional rye spice and more about the marriage of rye backbone with barrel influence.

Cocktail Versatility with Caveats

In a Manhattan (4/5), the toasted oak character enhances the spirit-forward nature. Boulevardier also scores 4/5—the Cognac and sweet vermouth can handle the oak intensity. The Old Fashioned drops to 3/5 because the oak competes with bitters and sugar. The Whiskey Sour scores 2/5; the barrel sweetness clashes with citrus acidity. Penelope Toasted Rye is best enjoyed where its oak character can shine—either neat, in an Old Fashioned for those who love oak, or in a Manhattan where it enhances rather than overwhelms.

Premium Pricing for Distinctive Craftsmanship

At ~$70, Penelope Toasted Rye occupies the premium segment. The price reflects 6 years of aging, barrel selection, and the cost of sourcing MGP's rye at volume. For rye enthusiasts who value unique barrel finishing and oak exploration, this represents fair value. For those seeking traditional rye spice profiles, this may feel expensive.

The MGP Foundation and Penelope's Vision

Using MGP's rye as the base is a smart choice. MGP's consistency and 95% rye formula provide an excellent foundation. Penelope's value add is the toasted barrel selection and bottling strategy. The result is a whiskey that tastes more expensive and distinctive than its base spirit suggests, proving that finishing and bottling choices matter as much as source material.