Upon arrival, the proofs of these 32 barrels had been 125. Close to that modest physique of water and behind the rickhouse’s brick partitions, they’ve steadily misplaced proof all the way down to 108, which is pure magic in whiskey ageing.
BOTTLE DETAILS
STEVE’S NOTES
SHARE WITH: Any and all rye whiskey lovers and bourbon lovers who aren’t but offered on rye.
WORTH THE PRICE: Sure, however I am partial not solely to rye, but additionally to Pinhook’s secure of nice and more and more well-aged ryes.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle, however at $85, however who might blame you in case you sought out a bar pour first?
OVERALL: So many whiskey tales are pure hokum, however the story behind the Pinhook is nice. A few of its companions truly work within the horse business–two are pinhookers, that means they spy capability and expertise early on in a colt’s life; they usually additionally preserve horse racing bloodstock for well-heeled consumers. The story additionally factors to the companions’ capability to choose good, younger barrels required to launch the model virtually a decade in the past. It is at all times good to see a narrative’s realism and symbolism mix this properly.
Sean Josephs, Pinhook’s grasp blender and cofounder, operated two whiskey-centric eating places in New York Metropolis, and one in New Orleans, nicely earlier than bourbon totally boomed. Not like some Degree 2 sommeliers, he wasn’t wedded solely to wine. He understood and liked American whiskey, noticed its star rising and wished to surf that amber wave as a blender and proprietor. He now spends extra time in Kentucky’s horse nation than ever anticipated, tasting Pinhook’s unique sourced MGP shares and whiskeys distilled for the model at Fort & Key Distillery since 2017. Coincidentally, that distillery is nearly equidistant between Keeneland Racecourse and Churchill Downs, two legendary horse racing venues in case you’re unfamiliar with the game.
I’ve spent a number of hours with Josephs watching him style, eradicate and mix whiskey samples into blends that develop into Pinhook releases. The method has at all times been strategic and clear, but nonetheless baffling to me regardless of his affected person explanations. Irrespective of, although, as a result of nevertheless he does it, it comes out terrific.
So many Pinhook releases are a lot youthful than this 8-year-old, however their complexity belies their youth. Pinhook whiskeys typically get too little credit score for demonstrating how nice youthful whiskey could be when it is well-managed and blended skillfully.
Upon arrival, these 32 barrels’ proofs had been 125. Close to that modest physique of water and behind the rickhouse’s brick partitions, they’ve steadily misplaced proof all the way down to 108, which is pure magic in whiskey ageing.
For readers who’ve been to Fort & Key, you realize of the traditional, 538-foot lengthy rickhouse positioned close to the flat financial institution of Glenn’s Creek. That is the place these MGP barrels have aged since their rehoming in 2015. Upon arrival, these 32 barrels’ proofs had been 125. Close to that modest physique of water and behind the rickhouse’s brick partitions, they’ve steadily misplaced proof all the way down to 108, which is pure magic in whiskey ageing.
The results of that lazy and opulent relaxation is a rye whose nostril is flush with inexperienced apples, mint, black pepper, anise and darkish caramel. (Josephs describes the nostril as “a stroll by means of the forest throughout autumn.”) On the palate, it is much more inviting: a Demerara-syrup-like physique invigorated by black pepper, baking spice–clove specifically–bruleed sugar, charred oak, white chocolate and mint.
This can be a severely good rye, and utilizing this in a correct mint julep can be decadent. However hey, the Kentucky Derby is 9 days away as I write this, in order that drink is probably going entrenched in my unconscious proper now. Due to this assessment, my pattern is gone. Time to discover a bottle.
BRAND NOTES
That is the fifth launch in Pinhook’s award-winning Vertical Sequence in addition to the debut of newly designed packaging that completely blends custom and modernity. Blended from simply 32 barrels and bottled unfiltered at cask power, the 8 12 months provides a brilliant nostril of orange zest, inexperienced apple, caramel, and cinnamon; resulting in an intricate palate of licorice, burnt sugar, cedar, and clove.
Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter obtained a pattern of this product from the model for assessment. We respect their willingness to permit us to assessment their merchandise with no strings hooked up. Thanks.
