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Penelope Toasted Series vs Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
On paper Penelope Toasted Series and Russell’s Reserve 10 Year are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (100 vs. 90) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Toasted Series | Russell’s Reserve 10 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 10 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$55 – $70 | ~$40 – $50 ~$18 less |
- 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.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Toasted Series Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
spice 5/6 spice: Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
oak 7/8 oak: Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 8 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Penelope Toasted Series 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Penelope Toasted Series 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year: Ten years of Wild Turkey at a restrained 90 proof, which trades the 101's punch for polish. More oak and more composure, and one of the better age-stated bottles at its price.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Penelope Toasted Series if you want a toasty, coffee-and-toffee bourbon from a second-barrel finish with more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 10 Year if you want an age-stated, oak-forward Wild Turkey with the volume turned down at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Toasted Series); neat, rocks (Russell’s Reserve 10 Year).