Pinhook Ryed On is the 2020 flagship release in the brand's acclaimed vintage rye program and the inaugural expression to use Pinhook's proprietary rye mashbill. Founded in 2014, Pinhook is built around three distinctive ideas: limited annual availability, broad approachability, and a deep connection to Kentucky's legacy of thoroughbred horse racing. Every release is named after a promising young horse owned by Bourbon Lane Stable, and the term pinhooking itself comes from the old Kentucky practice of buying young thoroughbreds, holding them until they mature, and selling them when they are ready to run, an apt metaphor for the way Pinhook selects and matures its barrels. This vintage is dedicated to the colt Ryed On, and the label carries his details in the style of a racing record. The whiskey was developed, distilled, and aged for just over two years at the beautifully restored Castle and Key Distillery in Frankfort, then blended and meticulously proofed by Pinhook co founder and Master Taster Sean Josephs. Pinhook follows a vintage philosophy, meaning each year's release reflects the character of its specific barrels at that moment in time rather than chasing a fixed house profile, so proof and flavor shift subtly from one vintage to the next. Ryed On was bottled at 97 proof and left non chill filtered to preserve texture and aromatics. The result is a bold yet smooth everyday rye, leaning toward the sweeter, toastier classic Kentucky style rather than the drier, peppery profile of high rye Indiana whiskeys, with a proof point that stands up well to a cube of ice or a stir in a cocktail.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Pinhook |
| Distillery |
Castle and Key Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Pinhook Bourbon |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Expression |
Ryed On (2020 Flagship Rye Vintage) |
| Age Statement |
No age statement (aged just over 2 years) |
| Mashbill |
Pinhook proprietary rye mashbill |
| Maturation |
Aged just over 2 years in new charred oak at Castle and Key |
| Bottling |
Vintage release, non chill filtered |
| ABV |
48.5% |
| Proof |
97 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Color: Light golden amber.
Nose: Peach, spearmint, and cinnamon, with hints of fresh apple and a floral lift.
Palate: Cherry, toffee, and clove, leaning sweet and toasty with vanilla and gentle baking spice rather than sharp pepper.
Finish: Moderate length with lingering toasted rye, soft spice, and a touch of residual sweetness.
FAQ
What does the horse on the label mean? Every Pinhook release is named for a young thoroughbred from Bourbon Lane Stable. This vintage honors the colt Ryed On, with his details shown in racing record style on the label.
What proof is the 2020 Ryed On? 97 proof, or 48.5 percent ABV. Pinhook proofs each vintage individually, so the number varies from year to year.
Where is it made? It was distilled, aged, and bottled at Castle and Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and blended and proofed by Master Taster Sean Josephs.
Is it chill filtered? No. Ryed On is bottled non chill filtered to preserve its full texture and aromatics.
How should I drink it? Its 97 proof holds up neat, over ice, or in cocktails like a Manhattan or whiskey sour.
Where can I buy Pinhook Ryed On online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
