Penelope Bourbon Toasted Series Rye Whiskey

Penelope Bourbon Toasted Series Rye Whiskey is the rye expression from Penelope's Toasted Series — a straight rye whiskey finished with toasted oak staves, adding caramel, vanilla, and warm wood sweetness to the naturally spice-forward rye character without softening the grain's defining pepper and herbal backbone.

The Toasted Series applies stave finishing to Penelope's base spirits — toasted (rather than charred) oak staves contribute lighter, more dessert-oriented wood compounds than heavily charred staves, adding vanilla and caramel layers while preserving the rye's inherent spice character. The result is a rye that works for traditional rye drinkers who want added depth and for bourbon drinkers exploring the rye category with a gentler entry. Distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Browse the full rye whiskey collection at Wooden Cork.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rye spice, toasted vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and light herbal character
• Palate: Spice-forward rye with toasted oak sweetness — pepper, vanilla, brown sugar, and warm grain
• Finish: Medium-long with lingering rye spice and toasted wood warmth

Specs

• Producer: Penelope Bourbon Bottling Company, St. Louis, MO
• Distillery: Lawrenceburg, IN
• Style: Straight Rye Whiskey, Toasted Oak Stave Finish
• Series: Toasted
• Size: 750ml

Frequently Asked Questions

How does toasted oak differ from charred oak finishing?

Toasted oak is heated at lower temperatures than charred oak, producing lighter vanillin and caramel compounds without the heavier char and smoke that charring creates. Toasted staves add sweetness and vanilla depth without the darker, more aggressive wood character of heavy char — making it ideal for preserving the rye's natural spice while adding complementary sweetness.

Is this a good rye for bourbon drinkers?

Yes — the toasted oak finish bridges the sweeter character of bourbon and the spice-forward character of rye. An approachable starting point for bourbon drinkers exploring the rye category, with enough vanilla and caramel from the toasted staves to feel familiar.