Open 4.5 months Nose - Grain, caramel, toasted bread, light vanilla, light cinnamon, light citrus oil, light oak, and medium ethanol. Palate - Grainy caramel and brown sugar, cereal grain, vanilla, lemon peel, dry baking spices, and light ethanol spice. Finish is medium-short with lingering dry grain, dry baking spices, oak, light citrus, light brown sugar, and light ethanol. This is a dud compared to the fantastic Pinhook Rye Vertical Series 5 Year. At $10 more for a cheaper grain that is only 1 year older, it is a waste of money. This falls right in line with underwhelming MGP bourbons I've had in the last couple years like Old Scout, Old Soul, and Penelope. There is common theme, they all taste too grainy and dry to be in this price range. I am a little surprised given how good the Rye Vertical was, so maybe I'll give Pinhook bourbon another shot with those high proof single barrels that are recently released in NC.
About this bottle
This expression is part of the limited edition Vertical Series, which is a progression of bourbon sourced from MGP distilled from a mash bill of 75% corn, 20.5% rye, and 4.5% malted barley that were placed in 1,350 barrels to be released incrementally each year of maturation, starting at 4 years up to 12. This one has been matured 6 years and bottled at 107 proof.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 11 parsed reviews.
Store pick, 58.9% ABV Nose- lots of sweetness. Butterscotch, caramel and a hint of orange. Really great scents Taste- a bit of a let down from how great the nose was. More caramel, molasses, cinnamon and clove spice. All flavor very faint Finish- medium, weirdly dry finish. Some of that spice lingers along with some toasted notes Overall- amazing nose but the palate is a major let down. Smooth and inoffensive, but underwhelming from a flavor standpoint. I’d expect more at almost 118 proof.
Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Caramel, toffee, raisin. Palate: Cinnamon, clove, baking spice. Finish: Warm heat with medium length. Splash: A dry oaky note appears. Overall: 6/10 - This drinks a little hot and young, despite the six year age statement. I’ve had better MGP sourced bourbon, but this would probably make a decent old fashioned. Received as a gift from a friend.
It’s a sharper bourbon for obvious reasons (6 year), but you can see the potential. Someone mentioned oily…that’s a good thing. Thin bourbons are for the birds. Good taste profile, too. This one surprised me and I’d probably purchase it again. Definitely doesn’t fall into the mixer category.
Toffee and rich flavor that lasts a quick second, turn on you quick for a leather and cinnamon finish. Pretty good, could have two pours of this.
Herbal dill oregano nose, sweet peppermint up front, rye starts come through. Cereal finish
5 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
Tastes like this
Same style and price bracket, best rated first.
