Pour Decisions Wednesday: Penelope Marshmallow Toasted Bourbon Review & Barrel Strength Comparison with Special Guest Mike
Penelope Marshmallow Toast
Welcome back to Tortured Bourbon! If you love bourbon reviews, bourbon tastings, and bourbon storytelling with a twist of humor, you’ve come to the right place. This week’s Pour Decisions Wednesday episode is a special one — we’re diving into Penelope Marshmallow Toasted Bourbon and putting it head-to-head with Penelope Barrel Strength Four Grain Bourbon, with our friend Mike joining us as a guest at the table.
👉 Watch the full episode here: Penelope Marshmallow Toasted Bourbon Review & Barrel Strength Comparison with Special Guest Mike
About Tortured Bourbon
We’re Heather and B — partners in bourbon crime — and every week we take you along on our bourbon journey. From blind tastings and deep-dive bourbon reviews to quick hits and cocktail explorations, Tortured Bourbon is all about making bourbon fun, approachable, and maybe a little tortured.
Check out all of our past episodes, blogs, and gear at TorturedBourbon.com.
The Pour: Penelope Marshmallow Toasted Bourbon
Penelope Bourbon has quickly become a fan favorite, and their Toasted Series continues to generate buzz. The Marshmallow Toasted Straight Bourbon Whiskey features:
Mash Bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley
Age: Straight bourbon aged in new American oak
Finish: Secondary maturation in a hand-toasted, Char 5 barrel (Heavy Toast)
Proof: Barrel Strength
Flavor Profile: Think toasted marshmallow, butterscotch, caramel syrup, and warm baking spices. It’s a dessert-like bourbon with enough oak and char influence to keep it balanced.
We walked through the nosing, tasting, and finishing experience together, ranking it and comparing notes with Mike.
The Comparison: Penelope Barrel Strength Four Grain Bourbon
Mike didn’t stop at just one bottle — he also brought along Penelope Barrel Strength Four Grain Bourbon. Unlike the toasted release, this one leans on a different mash bill:
Mash Bill: 82% corn, 8% wheat, 7% rye, 3% malted barley
Age & Style: Straight bourbon, no toasted finish
Proof: Barrel Strength
Tasting Notes Katie Highlighted:
Aroma: Pecans, dried apricot, hints of vanilla
Palate: Caramel syrup, brown sugar, subtle barrel char, butterscotch, crème brûlée
Body: Caramel, toffee, leather, pecans, orange zest
Finish: White pepper, cinnamon, lingering caramel sweetness
The big question: how does the toasted marshmallow expression stack up against Penelope’s tried-and-true Barrel Strength? We got into the glass, debated the similarities, and ranked them.
Why This Episode Matters for Bourbon Lovers
Whether you’re new to bourbon or deep into your collection, this review highlights why Penelope is worth watching as a brand:
They’re experimenting with toasted finishes while maintaining core barrel strength expressions.
The flavor differences between mash bills showcase how wheat, rye, and malted barley change the bourbon profile.
Toasted bourbons are booming right now, and Penelope is putting its own spin on the trend.
If you’re searching for bourbon reviews, toasted bourbon tastings, or a comparison of barrel strength whiskeys, this episode delivers the flavor insights you need before grabbing a bottle.
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Final Thoughts: Which Penelope Wins?
Both bottles brought something unique to the table. The Marshmallow Toasted Bourbon added sweetness and a dessert-like character, while the Barrel Strength Four Grain kept things grounded with nutty, rich, and layered complexity. Which one comes out on top? That depends on your palate.
But more than anything, this episode reminded us that bourbon is best enjoyed with friends — and Mike proved that by not just showing up, but showing up with the bottles.
So pour yourself a glass, hit play on the video, and let us know in the comments: Are you Team Marshmallow Toasted or Team Four Grain?
And until next time… Cheers, y’all! 🥃
