Pinhook 6 Year Bourbon War Vertical Series

Opened 4.5 months ago. Aroma: Grain, caramel, toasted bread, light vanilla, light cinnamon, light citrus oil, light oak, and medium ethanol. Taste: Grainy caramel and brown sugar, cereal grain, vanilla, lemon peel, dry baking spices, and light ethanol spice. The finish is medium-short with lingering dry grain, dry baking spices, oak, light citrus, light brown sugar, and light ethanol. This is a disappointment compared to the fantastic Pinhook Rye Vertical Series 5 Year. For $10 more and a cheaper grain that's only 1 year older, it's a waste of money. This is consistent with underwhelming MGP bourbons I've tasted recently, such as Old Scout, Old Soul, and Penelope. The common thread is that they all taste too grainy and dry for this price point. I'm a bit surprised, given how good the Rye Vertical was, so perhaps I'll give Pinhook bourbon another try with those high-proof single barrels recently released in North Carolina.

Store selection, 58.9% ABV Nose: Abundant sweetness. Butterscotch, caramel, and a trace of orange. Truly excellent aromas. Taste: A slight disappointment compared to the wonderful nose. More caramel, molasses, cinnamon, and clove spice. All the flavor is very subtle. Finish: Medium length, unusually dry. Some of that spice remains, along with toasted notes. Overall: Fantastic nose, but the palate is a significant letdown. Smooth and unassuming, yet lacking in flavor intensity. I would anticipate more from a spirit near 118 proof.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Smell: Caramel, toffee, raisin. Taste: 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.

This is a more assertive bourbon, as expected (6 years old), but its potential is clear. The oily texture mentioned by someone is a positive; thin bourbons are undesirable. The flavor profile is also good. This one was a pleasant surprise, and I would likely buy it again. It's certainly not a mixer.

A rich toffee flavor that's fleeting, quickly shifting to a leather and cinnamon finish. Quite enjoyable, I could have two servings.

Herbal nose with notes of dill and oregano, sweet peppermint at the start, then the rye begins to come through. Cereal finish.