Penelope’s recent release of their Toasted Barrel Private Batch Marshmallow Toast caught my eye specifically because of the marshmallow profile—a flavor descriptor you don’t see every day in bourbon circles, and frankly, when I saw it, I had to grab a bottle and see what all the internet chatter was about. My purchase was delayed because the bottle wasn’t yet in my retailer’s system, but I got to try it on Whiskey Wednesday before I bought it, and I was impressed enough to seek it out once it became available. At $65, this represents solid value for a barrel strength bourbon, which has become rarer and rarer to find in the current market. This bourbon is 110 proof and aged for five years.

The color on this is a deep amber with lots of mahogany—way darker than you would expect for an aged stated five year old bourbon. On the swirl is a big thick film and legs that just beg to linger; this is a very oily, viscous bourbon that shows real promise from the first pour.

The nose is where things get interesting. There’s a ton of vanilla and oak coming at you right out of the gate, with hints of dark fruits and baked goods underneath. It’s a classic bourbon nose elevated by what I assume is the heavy toasting on the barrel, which adds a layer of complexity without overshadowing the traditional bourbon character.

On the palate, you definitely get the marshmallow—though I’d characterize it as more of a vanilla cream canvas upon which baking spices dance. There are plenty of baking spices here, hints of cherry working through the middle, with some solid oak in the background that keeps this from becoming a dessert bomb. The mouthfeel is substantial without being syrupy, which is exactly what you want at barrel strength. This is where the toasted barrel really earns its keep; most toasted barrel bourbons can come off one-dimensional, but this one has layers.

On the finish, the vanilla cream carries forward—true to form—until it fades into baking spice, black pepper, and drying oak. The finish is long and satisfying, with the oak tannins providing just enough grip to remind you that this is indeed bourbon and not a dessert liqueur.

I will admit up front that I am not always a fan of toasted oak, so when I find one that works, I take note. The nose, flavor profile, and finish on this bottle are all excellent. I highly recommend.