
Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 6 Year
Pinhook · Castle & Key Distillery
Pinhook's thoroughbred-themed vertical series consistently overdelivers for the price, and this 6-year expression is no exception. The high-rye mash bill brings structure and spice that stand up to the robust char influence without being overwhelmed. A serious sipper that rewards patience.
Nose
Opens with toasted brown sugar and dried cherry, followed by a wave of rye spice and worn leather. Beneath the sweetness sits a solid foundation of charred oak and a whisper of dark cocoa.
Palate
Full-bodied entry with caramel and butterscotch up front, transitioning quickly to black pepper rye bite and tobacco leaf. A pleasant nuttiness — almond and toasted pecan — emerges mid-palate, keeping the sweetness in check.
Finish
Long and warming with lingering charred oak and a final note of dried cherry. The rye spice persists, tapering slowly into a clean, dry close.
- Mash Bill
- 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
- Barrel Type
- New Charred American oak
- Bottled in Bond
- No
- Single Barrel
- No
- Wheated
- No
Cocktail Suggestion
Bluegrass Boulevardier — 2 oz Pinhook Bourbon War · 1 oz Campari · 1 oz sweet vermouth · Stir over ice, strain into coupe, garnish with orange peel.
Food Pairing
Smoked pork belly with a bourbon-molasses glaze
Born at Woodford County's restored Castle & Key Distillery, each annual Pinhook release is selected by founder Sean Josephs to capture a snapshot of the distillery's evolving character, named after a promising racehorse to match.
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