Penelope Marshmallow Toast Bourbon 750ML

Penelope Marshmallow Toast Bourbon 750ML is a 110-proof (55% ABV) barrel-finished bourbon sourced from MGP's Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery, bottled in a 750ml format. Part of the Penelope Toasted Series — which earned a Gold Medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — this expression undergoes a heavy toast barrel finishing process that pushes caramel and marshmallow character to the forefront.

Quick Facts: ABV: 55% (110 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana  |  Heavy Toast Barrel-Finished  |  Distillery: MGP (Ross & Squibb)

Production & Heritage

Penelope Bourbon is sourced from MGP's historic Ross & Squibb distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the most prolific bourbon and rye producers in the country. The Marshmallow Toast expression uses a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, then undergoes a secondary maturation in barrels subjected to a heavy toast treatment rather than a traditional high char. This finishing technique caramelizes the wood sugars more gradually than charring, extracting pronounced vanilla, butterscotch, and toasted sweetness while preserving the underlying grain structure. The Toasted Series embraces variation across barrel treatments, meaning each small batch carries a slightly different fingerprint.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Brown sugar and caramel syrup lead immediately, followed by layers of marshmallow fluff and toasted vanilla. A faint undercurrent of warm oak supports the sweetness without dominating.

Taste: The entry is rich with creamy caramel and vanilla, settling into a mid-palate of toasted marshmallow and butterscotch. As the proof asserts itself, cinnamon spice and a snickerdoodle-like warmth emerge alongside charred oak and a whisper of cayenne heat. The high corn mashbill keeps things round and approachable despite the 110-proof intensity.

Finish: Long and warming, anchored by fire-kissed marshmallow and lingering vanilla. Burnt brown sugar and subtle baking spice fade gradually, with powdered sugar sweetness clinging to the palate.

How to Drink Marshmallow Toast

At 110 proof, this bourbon rewards a small splash of water to unlock the full dessert-like character without drowning the toasted barrel influence. It also drinks well neat for those who enjoy high-proof sweetness, and the structure holds up over a single large ice cube. For cocktails, try it in an Old Fashioned, where the inherent brown sugar and vanilla reduce the need for added sweetener; a Bourbon Smash, where the marshmallow sweetness plays beautifully against fresh lemon and mint; or a Gold Rush, where honey syrup amplifies the butterscotch and toasted grain notes already present in the whiskey.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers who gravitate toward dessert-forward, barrel-finished expressions
• Gifting to someone who enjoys campfire-inspired flavors and high-proof whiskey
• Side-by-side tastings comparing toast versus char barrel treatments
• Fall and winter evening sipping sessions where warming, rich flavors are welcome

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Marshmallow Toast taste like? It leads with creamy caramel, vanilla, and toasted marshmallow, followed by butterscotch, cinnamon spice, and a touch of charred oak. The finish is long and warming with burnt brown sugar and lingering sweetness.

How does Marshmallow Toast compare to Basil Hayden? Basil Hayden sits at a lower 80 proof and emphasizes a lighter, more delicate rye-spice profile, while Penelope Marshmallow Toast runs at 110 proof with a decidedly sweeter, dessert-driven character from its heavy toast barrel finishing. The two occupy similar price territory but target very different palate preferences.

Is Marshmallow Toast good for sipping neat? Yes, though at 55% ABV it carries significant heat; a few drops of water open up the caramel and marshmallow notes and tame the proof for a more relaxed neat pour.

Where is Marshmallow Toast made? It is distilled at MGP's Ross & Squibb facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the largest and most established bourbon and rye distilleries in the United States.

What foods pair well with Marshmallow Toast? S'mores and toasted marshmallow desserts mirror the bourbon's signature note directly. Pecan pie and bread pudding complement the caramel and butterscotch layers. Smoked pork belly or brown sugar-glazed ham bridges the sweetness with savory depth. Dark chocolate with sea salt contrasts the vanilla richness, and apple crisp with cinnamon echoes the baking spice on the finish.

What sizes does Marshmallow Toast come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Marshmallow Toast worth the price? It positions in the mid-range bourbon segment, but the heavy toast barrel finishing, 110-proof bottling strength, and the distinctive flavor profile give it a more premium-leaning character than many competitors at a similar price point.

Why Marshmallow Toast?

The heavy toast barrel finishing process is the defining move here — rather than relying on traditional charred barrel aging alone, the heavy toast treatment unlocks a deeper well of caramelized wood sugars that push this bourbon squarely into dessert territory without artificial flavoring. At 110 proof, the intensity holds up in cocktails and rewards patient neat sipping alike. The Penelope Toasted Series earned Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, validating the quality of the barrel program. For bourbon drinkers seeking something that genuinely tastes different from the standard char-aged landscape, this expression delivers a distinct and memorable profile rooted in real barrel science.