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Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish vs Penelope Toasted Series
Comparing Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish and Penelope Toasted Series reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a blender-built, spice-driven bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish | Penelope Toasted Series |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +9 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$90 – $130 | ~$55 – $70 ~$48 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Toasted Series
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Penelope Toasted Series
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 8 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
spice 4/5 spice: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 4 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
oak 8/7 oak: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 8 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 5 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 4 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 4 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish 4 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.
- Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish: The standard Michter's bourbon given a second toasted barrel, which adds sweetness and wood to an already polished pour. Genuinely good, though the price has drifted well past what the liquid alone justifies.
- 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 Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish if you want the smoothest, most polished toasted-barrel pour here and price is not the deciding factor.
- Go with Penelope Toasted Series if you want a toasty, coffee-and-toffee bourbon from a second-barrel finish at a significantly lower price point and with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat (Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Toasted Series).