Pinhook 'Vertical Series' Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky

Richly layered and deeply expressive, the 2025 Pinhook Vertical Series Straight Bourbon Whiskey continues one of the most ambitious aging experiments in American whiskey. Now at 10 years old, this limited release reflects the evolving depth of barrels first laid down in 2015, offering enthusiasts a rare opportunity to follow a bourbon’s journey from youth to maturity across a 13-year arc. Only 75 barrels were blended for this vintage, making it a singular release that captures both patience and precision.

Product Details:

• Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Mashbill: 75% Corn, 20.5% Rye, 4.5% Malted Barley
• ABV / Proof: 57.95% / 115.9 Proof
• Age Statement: 10 Years
• Aging: Barrels sourced from MGP, aged at Castle & Key in a mix of Virgin French Oak, ex-Bourbon, and ex-Sherry barrels
• Production: Limited blend of 75 barrels; bottled unfiltered at cask strength; signature gold wax finish
• Founders: Sean Josephs, Charles Fulford, and Jay Peterson

Sensory Description:

The nose opens with bold notes of burnt orange, brioche, butterscotch, and clove. On the palate, rich flavors of brandied cherry, salted caramel, candied pecan, and cinnamon stick unfold with generous warmth and complexity. A backbone of mature oak and spice lends depth, while the cask-strength bottling delivers a powerful yet refined structure. The finish lingers with sweetness and savory spice in perfect balance.

Distiller's Background:

Founded in 2011 by longtime friends Sean Josephs, Charles Fulford, and Jay Peterson, Pinhook has reimagined American whiskey through a vintage-based approach. Inspired by both bourbon heritage and thoroughbred racing, Pinhook’s philosophy is not to replicate the same whiskey each year, but to craft the best whiskey possible from each set of barrels. Their Vertical Series epitomizes this ethos, following 1,350 barrels over a 13-year journey from 4 to 16 years of age. With distilling now based at Castle & Key in Kentucky, Pinhook continues to honor authenticity, curiosity, and craftsmanship, producing whiskeys that are as distinct as the vintages they represent.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy neat or with a splash of water to reveal the full depth of its cask-strength complexity. At 115.9 proof, this bourbon is also an excellent candidate for contemplative sipping with a cigar or paired with rich dishes like slow-braised short ribs, pecan-crusted pork chops, or dark chocolate torte. Best served in a Glencairn glass at room temperature to showcase its nuanced aromas and layered palate.

The 2025 Pinhook Vertical Series Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a compelling snapshot of bourbon’s maturation at the 10-year mark, bold, refined, and destined to be treasured by collectors and enthusiasts alike.