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Barrell Foundation Bourbon vs Penelope Toasted Series
On paper Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Penelope Toasted Series are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$50 – $60 vs. ~$55 – $70) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Foundation Bourbon | Penelope Toasted Series |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $60 ~$8 less | ~$55 – $70 |
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Toasted Series
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Foundation Bourbon Penelope Toasted Series
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 4 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon: Barrell's everyday bottle: a multi-state blend proofed down to 100 instead of bottled at cask strength. Creamy cake and vanilla up front, then a dry, rye-driven peppery finish.
- Penelope Toasted Series: Finished in a second, freshly toasted barrel, which pushes it toward toffee, roasted coffee and darker oak. The toast level changes from batch to batch.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Penelope Toasted Series if you want a toasty, coffee-and-toffee bourbon from a second-barrel finish.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Toasted Series).