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Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond vs Penelope Toasted Series
Comparing Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond and Penelope Toasted Series reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a blender-built, spice-driven bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond | Penelope Toasted Series |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 4 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$16 – $22 ~$44 less | ~$55 – $70 |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Toasted Series
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond Penelope Toasted Series
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 3 out of 10
spice 5/5 spice: Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 4 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 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.
- Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond: Arguably the best value in all of bourbon: a bonded 100-proof Kentucky whiskey for under twenty dollars. Straightforward vanilla and caramel with just enough oak, and nothing at all to apologise for.
- 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 Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond if you want a bonded, honest, full-proof Kentucky bourbon for the price of a cocktail.
- Go with Penelope Toasted Series if you want a toasty, coffee-and-toffee bourbon from a second-barrel finish with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Toasted Series).