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Russell’s Reserve 10 Year vs Penelope Toasted Series
On paper Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and Penelope Toasted Series are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (90 vs. 100) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 10 Year | Penelope Toasted Series |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 10 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 ~$18 less | ~$55 – $70 |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Toasted Series
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Penelope Toasted Series
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
oak 8/7 oak: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 8 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
heat 4/5 heat: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Russell’s Reserve 10 Year); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Toasted Series).