Penelope Toasted Series Barrel Finish Rye 5 Year Old, New American Oak Cask, Toasted Barrel Finish, Batch No. 23-303, 2023, 50%

The finish sounds like the clearest strength here: lingering rye spice and spearmint are balanced by caramel sweetness, toasted oak, and orange peel. That gives the ending both a lively edge and a softer, dessert-like side, rather than letting the spice stand alone. Dark chocolate and cocoa also give the described character some welcome depth. It’s a warmly appealing set of contrasts, with a finish that has a clear presence in the notes.

Reviewed by maple lantern

Nose

Caramel, cocoa, roasted nuts, vanilla, mint, anise, baking spice, gingerbread, brown sugar, cedar, honey.

Palate

Seasoned oak, rye spice, toasted marshmallow, caramel, light tobacco, vanilla, toffee, dark chocolate, mint, molasses, fruit.

Finish

Lingering rye spice, spearmint, light dill, caramel sweetness, toasted oak, brown sugar, orange peel, sweet dessert character.