Penelope Toasted Bourbon (Char 5, Heavy Toasted)

Penelope Straight Bourbon Whiskey Toasted, char 5, toast heavy, 100 proof, batch 25-301. Sampled neat. Mahogany color with rather thin legs in the glass. The aroma is of grassy dry grain, charred wood and vanilla oak, light orange citrus, and a hint of pepper in the background. On the palate, there's char and oak smoke, tannic leather, followed by sweet burnt sugar. It has an oily mouthfeel that coats the palate, complementing the strong toasted flavors. The finish brings out baking spices and spicy grass around that sweet char core, becoming more peppery and tingly, with a subtle bitter orange peel note developing over time. It's a good, long finish. Adding an ice cube mellows the tannic core and enhances the sweetness and hint of orange without completely masking the char and toasted oak finish. This represents the toasted or double barrel style, which is a matter of preference – you either enjoy it or find it overdone. I appreciate the charred wood flavors that temper the bourbon's sweetness. It's a bit tannic, but the option to add ice allows for adjustment. I like having that choice. I'll revisit this one and contemplate its potential... perhaps in a Manhattan, where it could complement the sweet vermouth. Or an Old Fashioned, for added character and less sweetness.

A vibrant brass color, with few legs that form very slowly. The nose immediately presents that layer of toasted oak common to other toasted barrel bourbons I've encountered. There's a fresh, malty grain character here that borders on grassy or vegetal. Cornflakes and Cracker Jack are also present. The initial taste is soft and full; the emerging sweetness is accompanied by a bit of heat from the combination of spice and proof. The sweetness lingers, balanced after the heat subsides by dry oak and a hint of baker's chocolate. Upon further nosing, a clove-studded orange comes to mind. There's a lot happening here, which is enjoyable. It's slightly dry and a little unpolished. It's a solid value at $60, I can definitely say that.

The aroma is mild but sweet. A young, grainy note hits first. Then, notes of cornbread, cereal, and toasted marshmallows emerge. No fruit or citrus present. Not much spice either. It's decent, but it didn't meet my expectations, which is unusual for the Penelope line.

My opinion of this has improved considerably. Initially, it didn't wow me but soon after I came to enjoy the toasty notes. It's quite unique, and I'm a fan of any Penelope I manage to find. Now that MPG has acquired the company, I'm hopeful it will eventually be available in Virginia.

Incredibly sweet and velvety. The char 5 surpasses the char 1 in sweetness! A pleasant vanilla taste remains. Definitely in my top 5!

A dependable drink. It has a peculiar aroma. I would rather have EC toasted, though it's a worthwhile purchase.