Pinhook 8 Year Bourbon War Vertical Series

Opened 2 months ago Aroma - Bright, shiny, acetone, caramel, vanilla extract, cinnamon powder, sawdust, juniper, light oak, and moderate ethanol. Taste - Astringent and sharp, a spoonful of cinnamon, wood oils, cheap vanilla frosting, pine sap, and light honey. The finish is medium-long with oily and bitter oak, light and bitter caramel vanilla, dusty woodshop, white pepper, baking spices, and moderate ethanol. I really want to highlight how much worse this is compared to the 8-year-old single barrel I bought last summer. They are remarkably different. I paid $90 for the single barrel and have no regrets. I'm very happy this was on clearance for $40, because $90 would be a rip-off. I wouldn't even pay $30 for this. There's something about the combination of sharp and oily notes that lingers on the tongue for far too long. In fact, I'm giving it away before I move.

Chocolate-drizzled pecan pie topped with cherry. If you enjoyed the 7-year version, you'll like this one better. Lots of spice, and the oak is finally noticeable. The aroma is mapley, but not the taste.

Aroma: some grain, oak, vanilla Taste: burnt sugar upfront, more oak, some anise, peanut, a type of candied nut, the finish is long and pleasant.

The taste is excellent as it sits in your mouth. Still, it's tough going down, causing a burning sensation. Your mouth tingles afterward. I'm uncertain if that's positive or negative.

It's slightly hot, but it is 114.6 proof. Amazing flavors, and I will certainly attempt to keep a bottle on hand.