Pinhook's second release of it's nine year bourbon experiment hits the ground running.
The Story
Pinhook is a non-distiller producer (they don't distill their own whiskey) with offices in New York and Kentucky. They blend sourced barrels of bourbon to create unique one-off releases of bourbon and rye whiskeys. It's a similar approach to Barrell Craft Spirits, where the focus is on creating unique and standout whiskeys, versus producing a consistent and predictable taste profile. Some folks in the bourbon community love this approach, while some traditionalist look down upon it.
Personally speaking as long as the barrels are sourced from a reputable distiller, an age statement is provided, and the bourbon in your glass is good... I don't see what there is to complain about.
What I really appreciate about Pinhook is they actually provide information about their releases and they aren't afraid to put themselves out there. You can tell they stand behind and believe in their craft.
The Vertical Series Explained
Pinhook's vertical series is a great example of how non-distiller producers can and are pushing the bourbon industry forward. Instead of shying away from the fact that Pinhook sources their barrels, they're leaning into it... hard. The vertical series is an experiment in which Pinhook will release bottles from the same 1350 MGP sourced bourbon barrels over a 9 year period.
Each year Pinhook selects 150 barrels that best represents the age of the allotment and blends them together. Vertical Series 5 "Bourbon War" is the second bottle from from the vertical series and was released in 2020. Undoubtedly, as with any annual limited release, some years will be better than others. Regardless you have to appreciate the confidence behind Pinhook's 9 year commitment to the vertical series.
Tasting Notes
This bottle was reviewed over 3 week period. Always neat in a Glencairn for consistency.
Nose: Robust notes of vanilla and sweet butter pour out of the glass. Followed by rye and cinnamon spice. A fair amount of heat is present, but it compliments the experience. As a whole the nose reminds me of warm vanilla bread pudding sprinkled with cinnamon.
Palate: Caramel and sweet dark fruit notes hit up front, followed by brown sugar and light notes of chocolate in the mid palate. The back palate full of rye and cinnamon spices. Overall it's a complex but balanced experience.
Finish: This is a bourbon with great texture that leaves you blushing. It has a sweet and soothing Kentucky hug that you want to hold you a bit longer then it does.
You have to appreciate the confidence behind Pinhook's 9 year commitment to the vertical series.
Closing Thoughts
Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 retails for under $60. At that price point it's an outstanding bourbon experience. For a relatively young bourbon its robust, complex, and balanced from nose to finish. Tasting notes are pronounced and flow nicely together. The only criticism I have is that the rye and cinnamon spice are a little over powering in the finish, but that's if I'm being picky.
Nine years is a long time to commit to anything, but after experiencing this 2nd release from Pinhook's vertical series, I'm going to try and commit for the long haul. In fact I'm going to start by trying to hunt down a bottle of Vertical Series 4 from 2019 and maybe one more Series 5 for safe keeping.
Final Score: 248 out of 379 Kentucky Miles ( a great bourbon experience )
Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Photo Gallery
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