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Penelope Toasted Series vs Barrell Foundation Bourbon
On paper Penelope Toasted Series and Barrell Foundation Bourbon are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$55 – $70 vs. ~$50 – $60) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Toasted Series | Barrell Foundation Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $70 | ~$50 – $60 ~$8 less |
- 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
Penelope Toasted Series
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Toasted Series Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Penelope Toasted Series 4 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Penelope Toasted Series 3 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Penelope Toasted Series if you want a toasty, coffee-and-toffee bourbon from a second-barrel finish.
- 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.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Toasted Series); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon).