Barrel char | Toasted marshmallow | Vanilla | Butterfinger candy bar | Prickly rye spice

Butterscotch | Toffee | Tobacco | Summer fruits | White pepper | Charred oak

Caramel | Butterscotch | Pear | Lingering rye spice

Penelope Bourbon is back with the second annual release of Toasted Rye. Featuring MGP’s 95% rye mashbill that was aged for 6 years before being finished in char 2 heavy toast barrels, it differs from 2023’s release which was made from a 100% rye mashbill, aged for 5 years, and used char 1 as opposed to char 2 finishing barrels. This release totals 9,000 cases, yielding 54,000 bottles in total.

The aroma brings barrel char and prickly rye spice, but they contrast nicely against sweeter toasted marshmallow, vanilla, and Buttefinger candy bar. Butterscotch builds on the palate, along with toffee and summer fruits. Tobacco leaf, white pepper, and charred oak layer into the palate adding contrast against the rye’s sweeter notes. Caramel, butterscotch, and pear make for a simple ending that offers a lengthy trail of lingering rye spice.

Like its predecessor, 2024’s release is immediately enjoyable and has an undeniably “rye” flavor profile. Where it differs is its buildup of sweeter flavors, notably the butterscotch note that carries throughout the sip. This layers in nicely against the spiciness of the rye, and even at 100 proof it’s a powerful pour. Overall it’s a solid choice at the price point.