Frequently Asked Questions
Pinhook War 8 Year Kentucky Bourbon from the Vertical Series offers an exquisite tasting journey that showcases the impact of time on whiskey's character. Elegantly aged for eight years, this limited-release bourbon delights with a rich nose of caramelized pear, orange curacao, and brown sugar, complemented by hints of cinnamon and clove. Its palate delivers a symphony of flavors, including dark cherry, plum, and burnt sugar, balanced with a touch of oak. Crafted from a mash bill of 75% corn, 20.5% rye, and 4.5% malted barley, it provides a perfect blend of sweetness and spice in every sip. The non-chill-filtered whiskey, part of Pinhook's innovative nine-year Vertical Series, allows enthusiasts to explore the evolving complexity of MGP barrels as they mature from four to twelve years. Perfect for collectors and connoisseurs, this bourbon is an essential addition to any refined whiskey collection.
Process & Profile
- Craftsmanship: Sourced from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, this straight bourbon is aged, blended, and bottled in Frankfort, Kentucky, at the historic Castle & Key Distillery.
- Mash Bill: Composed of 75% corn, 20.5% rye, and 4.5% malted barley, offering a high-rye complexity balanced by sweetness.
- Proof: Bottled at 114.6 proof for a bold yet approachable character.
- Aging: This 8-year-old bourbon showcases the compelling changes that occur with extended maturation, part of a nine-year Vertical Series journey.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: An inviting aroma of cinnamon spice, syrup-drenched waffles, and dark cherry accented by faint hints of oak.
- Palate: A layered and balanced flavor profile, highlighting cinnamon spice, brown sugar, sweet syrup, and rye spice. These notes interplay harmoniously to deliver intrigue and complexity.
- Finish: The conclusion is long and evocative, blending dry oak, peppercorn spice, and hints of leather. The balance of sweetness and spice leaves a memorable impression.
What Makes It Special
- Vertical Series Concept: The 8-Year release is part of an innovative series tracking the same barrels from 4 to 12 years of aging. Each annual release allows bourbon enthusiasts to explore how additional time transforms flavor and depth.
- Rich Character: Featuring high-rye content and aged at cask strength, this bourbon retains a bold character while developing fine nuances that reflect its craftsmanship.
- Limited Edition: With only 20,880 bottles released for this vintage, the rarity of this bourbon adds to its allure for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
How to Enjoy
- Neat: Savor it on its own to fully appreciate the intricate balance of flavors and aromas.
- With Water: Add a splash of water to open up additional layers of the bourbon's profile while softening its robust proof.
- On the Rocks: Chilling the bourbon enhances its smoothness, making it approachable for both seasoned and new bourbon lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series?
The Vertical Series is an innovative bourbon project following 1,350 high-rye barrels sourced from MGP as they age from four to twelve years. Each year, a selection of barrels is blended and bottled, allowing bourbon lovers to experience how the whiskey evolves in flavor and complexity over time.
What makes the 8-Year release special?
The Pinhook Bourbon War 8-Year is celebrated for its balance and complexity, often regarded as one of the best expressions in the series to date. At 114.6 proof, it combines a rich nose of cinnamon, buckwheat waffles, and dark cherry with a palate of rye spice, brown sugar, and syrup, and finishes with notes of oak, leather, and cinnamon.
What is the mash bill of this bourbon?
The mash bill consists of 75% corn, 20.5% rye, and 4.5% malted barley. This composition provides a traditional bourbon sweetness, complemented by a touch of rye spice for added depth and complexity.
Where is the bourbon distilled and aged?
The bourbon is distilled at MGP in Indiana and aged at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The barrels have been carefully monitored to optimize aging conditions and flavor development.
How is the 8-Year release proofed?
The Pinhook Bourbon War 8-Year is bottled at 114.6 proof and is non-chill filtered. This ensures a bold and authentic flavor profile, perfect for sipping or crafting spirit-forward cocktails.
What are the tasting notes for the 8-Year release?
The bourbon offers a nose of cinnamon, waffles, and dark cherry. Its palate delivers a delightful interplay of rye spice, brown sugar, and syrup, while the finish lingers with notes of oak, leather, and cinnamon, providing a well-rounded and memorable sip.
Is this bourbon a limited edition?
Yes, the Pinhook Bourbon War 8-Year is part of the limited Vertical Series and is highly collectible. Only 20,880 bottles were produced, making it a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to own a piece of this unique bourbon experiment.
How should I enjoy the Pinhook Bourbon War 8-Year?
This bourbon is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to unlock its complex flavors. For a more mellow experience, you can enjoy it over a large ice cube, which will gently dilute the higher proof.
Can I still find the previous releases in the Vertical Series?
Some prior releases may still be available from select retailers or collectors, but availability is limited as each release is unique and produced in small batches.
Why is the Vertical Series so popular among bourbon enthusiasts?
The Vertical Series offers a transparent and immersive look into how bourbon matures over time, with each annual release showcasing the evolving character of the barrels. The opportunity to follow the progression of one set of barrels from 4 to 12 years sets it apart in the bourbon world.
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