Penelope Toasted Series Rye 750ML

Penelope Toasted Series Rye 750ML is a 100-proof American rye whiskey finished in freshly toasted new oak barrels, bottled at 750ml and 50% ABV. Built on MGP's acclaimed 95% rye mashbill, this expression stands apart through its secondary maturation in toasted — rather than charred — barrels, which coaxes out layers of caramel, dark chocolate, and warming baking spice that temper the high-rye backbone.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, United States  |  NAS – Toasted Barrel Finish  |  Distillery: MGP

Production & Heritage

Penelope Bourbon was founded as an independent blending and finishing house, sourcing whiskey from MGP of Indiana — one of the most respected contract distilleries in the American whiskey landscape, known for its high-rye production. The Toasted Series Rye begins with a fully matured spirit distilled from a 95% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill, initially aged in charred new American oak. It then receives an additional finishing period in a second new American oak barrel that has been toasted rather than charred, allowing slower caramelization of wood sugars and deeper integration of vanilla and toffee compounds. Penelope has noted that each toasted barrel yields notably different flavor profiles, making every bottle in the Toasted Series subtly unique — a deliberate embrace of barrel-to-barrel variation rather than an attempt to standardize it.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Cinnamon and spearmint lead, followed by aromatic cedar and a thread of raw honey. There is an inviting warmth underneath — toasted marshmallow and a faint whiff of barrel char anchor the nose.

Taste: The entry is oak-forward and structured, with cinnamon and dark chocolate arriving quickly on the mid-palate. Caramel, mint, and cedar weave through the center, joined by clove, a subtle strawberry sweetness, and hints of milk chocolate. At full proof, the rye's natural peppery spice stays present but never overwhelms the toasted-barrel sweetness.

Finish: Medium-long, with caramel, butterscotch, and a gentle pear note tapering into a persistent trail of rye spice. The toasted oak lingers as a warm, slightly drying backdrop that invites another sip.

How to Drink Penelope Toasted Rye

At 100 proof, this rye drinks well neat or with a single cube of ice, which opens up the mint and chocolate notes while softening the oak. It also holds its own in spirit-forward cocktails:

• Manhattan: The dark chocolate and caramel notes complement sweet vermouth beautifully, adding dimension beyond a standard rye Manhattan.
• Sazerac: The cinnamon and clove spice harmonize naturally with absinthe rinse and Peychaud's bitters.
• Old Fashioned: The toasted-barrel sweetness means you can ease back on the sugar, letting the whiskey's inherent butterscotch and vanilla carry the drink.

Best For

• Rye whiskey enthusiasts exploring barrel-finished expressions
• Gifting to someone who appreciates high-proof, sippable American whiskey
• Building a home bar flight comparing toasted versus charred barrel finishes
• Elevating classic rye cocktails with added depth and complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Penelope Toasted Rye taste like? It leads with bold oak and cinnamon, transitions through dark chocolate, caramel, and mint, and finishes with a long trail of butterscotch and peppery rye spice. The toasted barrel finish adds a notable sweetness and roundness uncommon in most 95% rye expressions.

How does Penelope Toasted Rye compare to New Riff Single Barrel Rye? New Riff Single Barrel Rye is a Kentucky-distilled, single-barrel product aged exclusively in charred oak, delivering a more classically spicy and grain-forward rye profile. Penelope Toasted Rye, sourced from MGP and finished in toasted oak, leans sweeter and more dessert-driven, with prominent caramel, chocolate, and vanilla from the secondary barrel.

Is Penelope Toasted Rye good for sipping neat? Yes — at 100 proof it is robust but well-balanced, with enough barrel-derived sweetness to offset the high rye content. A few drops of water can further open the mint and cedar aromatics for a smoother neat experience.

Where is Penelope Toasted Rye made? The base rye whiskey is distilled at MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, using their signature 95/5 rye-to-malted-barley mashbill. Penelope, based in Kentucky, handles the blending and toasted barrel finishing.

What foods pair well with Penelope Toasted Rye? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and cinnamon notes. Smoked brisket or barbecued pork ribs match the oak and char character. Aged Gouda mirrors the caramel sweetness. Pecan pie echoes the butterscotch and toasted nut qualities. Charcuterie with spiced salami plays off the rye's peppery spine.

What sizes does Penelope Toasted Rye come in? The standard offering is the 750ml bottle at 100 proof.

Is Penelope Toasted Rye worth the price? Penelope Toasted Rye positions as a mid-premium rye, priced above entry-level offerings but accessible relative to many single-barrel or limited-edition finished ryes. The 100-proof bottling strength and double-barrel maturation process deliver complexity that competes with expressions at higher price points.

Why Penelope Toasted Rye?

What separates this expression from the crowded rye whiskey field is the deliberate use of toasted — not charred — secondary barrels on an already fully matured 95% rye. That distinction matters: toasting caramelizes wood sugars more gradually than charring, yielding deeper vanilla, toffee, and chocolate integration without the aggressive smokiness that a second charred barrel might introduce. Penelope's decision to embrace the natural variation between individual toasted barrels means each bottle carries a slightly different fingerprint, rewarding repeat purchases with genuine variety. For drinkers who find straight 95/5 rye too austere or one-dimensional, the Toasted Series Rye offers a compelling middle ground — full rye spice tempered by dessert-like warmth, bottled at a proof that holds up in any glass.