Lately, I have found myself venturing out a bit from my normal palate and have recently become enthralled with toasted bourbon. Luckily, I have been able to find classic toasted barrel bottles like Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon and Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon. However, a few months ago I came across another Toasted Barrel Bourbon that I decided to purchase and review. Today’s review is distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, by Penelope Bourbon and bottled in Louisville, Kentucky, by Bardstown Bourbon Company; Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Toasted Series, Colorado Select #2.

From the Penelope Bourbon website: Penelope Bourbon Toasted Series explores new and unique expressions of our signature four grain straight bourbon whiskey. After full maturation in charred new American oak barrels, we finish Penelope Bourbon™ in a new, freshly toasted barrel. Each batch is a unique blend of our signature three bourbon mash bills and all have different custom chars & toasts – making each bottle unique and different. The barrels selected for this series are the best our inventory has to offer and go through an extensive hand-selection process.

Penelope Bourbon has become quite readily available in NoCo, with several iterations, including this Toasted Series, now available in many local stores. Overall, this was not my favorite product that this distillery released, and perhaps the first toasted product I have yet to enjoy. In my opinion, and I would normally not say this as I love higher-proof bourbons, but the higher proof of this bourbon shows through in a hot ethanol-forward palate that covers up a lot of those enjoyable toasted characteristics. I would recommend you try this bottle at a bar or friend’s house before purchasing your own, as this is the most unique toasted bourbon I have tried to date. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Vanilla, Caramel, Charred Oak, Rye Spice, and Slight Ethanol
• Palate: Vanilla, Rye Spice, Charred Oak, and Unfortunately HOT and Ethanol Forward (Probably a mix of Proof and Young Age)
• Finish: Medium to Long with Rye Spice, Vanilla, and Dry Oak
• 2023 MSRP: $69
• 2023 National Average: $89
• Proof: 115 Proof
• My Rating: Mix It! (The proof really shows, which unfortunately hides some of those wanted flavors from Penelope)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman