Wasn't expecting a lot out of this, so I'm pleasantly surprised. Caramel apple, strong cinnamon and clove, a little hot, but maybe not quite as much as you might expect considering the proof and youth. Pretty straight forward, but nothing really too off about it. Tastes young, but there's no prominent craft whiskey funk. I think fairly comparable to New Riff and Blue Note Uncut barrel pick. Update 1: side-by-side with New Riff Single Barrel, I get a little more ethanol with the NR and a little more sourness with the Pinhook. Considering I acquired the Pinhook about 10$ less than the NRSB, it's close considering value. The NR is better, especially if you can get it closer to 40$. Update 2: like the Blue Note, this seemed to get worse the more I had of it. Score dropped a bit.
About this bottle
This is an annual release from Pinhook that is distilled at Castle & Key Distillery from a mash bill of 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley. Age statement and proof varies by release, typically at least 3 years and around 117 proof.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 9 parsed reviews.
For a high proof there isn’t the expected ethanol on the nose. Vanilla and charred apple on the nose initially. Black pepper at first on first sip and surprisingly not a high proof burn. This is a bit tannic and has a leather and charred oak finish. Ice cube softens the peppery feel at the initial sip but increases the charred oak on the finish. Pretty good overall with lots of intense flavors.
So much cinnamon on the nose. Some other warm spices as well. Big fruity flavors, floral and tropical fruits, ton of flavor. Mango, strawberry, pineapple, super sweet and and smooth. Spicy baking spice forward finish that goes super well with the fruit. Super unique and a flavor profile that I really like.
Tried neat. Strong ethanol on the nares with notes of caramel, black pepper, and vanilla. On the palate that Kentucky hug will slap you in the face. After the tight hug it’s spicy with notes of green tea, vanilla, & corn. I think I spent $99 on this bottle and definitely not worth that.
Nose: ethanol, cherry, light caramel. Palate: very dainty, sweet, and smooth with notes of watermelon, strawberry, mango, oak, and cinnamon on the finish. Long finish.
👃: light, fruity notes 👅: maple, spicy, woody notes 🏁: slightly less prominent spicy and woody notes
3 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
Tastes like this
Same style and price bracket, best rated first.
