Pinhook Bourbon War is the inaugural release in the brand's ambitious nine year Vertical Series, a one time opportunity to follow a single group of barrels as they mature from four years old all the way to twelve. Founded in 2014, Pinhook is built around limited annual availability, broad approachability, and a deep connection to Kentucky's thoroughbred racing heritage, with every release named after a promising young horse owned by Bourbon Lane Stable. This vintage honors the colt Bourbon War, foaled in February 2016, whose racing record appears on the brand's website in the spirit of the bottle's equine label. For the Vertical Series, Pinhook selected a large lot of bourbon barrels distilled at the renowned MGP distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, built on a classic mashbill of 75 percent corn, 20.5 percent rye, and 4.5 percent malted barley. Each year roughly 150 of those barrels are dumped, blended, and proofed by Pinhook co founder and Master Taster Sean Josephs at the beautifully restored Castle and Key Distillery in Frankfort, allowing drinkers to taste precisely how the same whiskey evolves with each additional year in wood. The inaugural four year old was proofed to 98, a number the brand notes will shift from release to release as the series progresses, just as the price is expected to climb each year to reflect the cost of extended aging. The result is a dangerously sippable, classic Kentucky styled bourbon that drinks beautifully just under 100 proof, with bright fruit, baking spice, and rich sweetness. As the opening chapter of a collectible vertical journey concluding with a twelve year old release, Bourbon War is a compelling starting point for collectors and everyday sippers alike.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Pinhook |
| Distillery |
Distilled at MGP, Lawrenceburg, Indiana; blended and bottled at Castle and Key, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Pinhook Bourbon |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Expression |
Bourbon War, Vertical Series (Inaugural 4 Year) |
| Age Statement |
4 Years |
| Mashbill |
75% Corn, 20.5% Rye, 4.5% Malted Barley |
| Maturation |
Aged 4 years in new charred oak |
| Bottling |
Vertical Series, approximately 150 barrels |
| ABV |
49% |
| Proof |
98 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky (sourced from Indiana) |
Tasting Notes
Color: Pale to medium amber.
Nose: Bright tropical fruit, butterscotch, and cedar, with spritzy citrus and lemon lime lift.
Palate: Rich and vibrant, with dried fig, cocoa, roasted peanut, cherry, and vanilla over a smooth, classic bourbon base.
Finish: Light sweet vanilla, oak, and sweet fruit giving way to white peppercorn and tempered oak.
FAQ
What is the Vertical Series? It is a nine year journey following one group of barrels as they age from four years to twelve, with an annual release each year so drinkers can taste how the same whiskey changes over time.
Where is the bourbon distilled? It was distilled at MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then blended and proofed by Sean Josephs at Castle and Key in Frankfort, Kentucky.
What is the mashbill? 75 percent corn, 20.5 percent rye, and 4.5 percent malted barley, a classic high corn bourbon recipe.
What proof is the inaugural release? 98 proof, or 49 percent ABV. Pinhook notes proof will vary across the series as the whiskey ages.
Who is Bourbon War? A thoroughbred colt foaled on February 23, 2016, the horse this vintage is named after through Pinhook's partnership with Bourbon Lane Stable.
Where can I buy Pinhook Bourbon War online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
