Pinhook Bourbon Heist

Pinhook has been widely available here for some time, but this is my first time trying it. I chose this bottle because it's distilled at Castle and Key. It's just under 120 proof and has been aged for three years. It has a rich caramel color in the glass. The legs form and fall quickly. I haven't had a high-proof spirit in a while, but there's very little alcohol scent, closer to 86-90 proof. I'm preparing fried apples for dinner tonight, and I swear the fragrance is spot on (before adding cinnamon). There's a rich combination of butter, caramel, and apples. What an aroma, especially for a three-year product. A little oak appears after 15-20 minutes. Caramel and vanilla lead the palate. One person mentioned hazelnuts, and yes, that's present too. A hint of smoky oak appears in the finish, which is far too short. I like this one, and at $50, the price is fair. I just wish it had a bit more body and a longer finish.

My initial experience with the Pinhook brand, I discovered this reasonably priced pint bottle while traveling through Kentucky. Aroma of honey spice cake, with undertones of clove, caramel, and vanilla. This scent is a triumph, clearly superior. Not quite as rich as the aroma suggests, but upfront I detect a significant amount of corn sugar along with some oak influences from the barrel and a truly satisfying finish for a younger spirit. The pale amber hue somewhat reflects the character; it possesses pleasant notes but lacks the depth of some of the renowned leading brands. The finish is agreeable, with only the faintest hint of bitterness mingling with the warm, spiced sugars. This Castle and Key spirit is undoubtedly expertly produced. I appreciate their work, as the alcohol content (96 proof) is perfectly balanced for delivering flavor without overwhelming the palate. If this represents Pinhook's entry-level bourbon, I'm eager to try more.

3.3.22 Served: Neat, Flute Bottle Opened: Same Day Aroma: Vanilla, cornbread, strong root beer. Flavor: Butterscotch, strong caramel on later sips, nutty. The texture has a distinct graininess reminiscent of condensed milk and homemade caramel.

An abundance of caramel on the nose with faint fruit notes. Hazelnut is immediately apparent on the palate. I added a few drops of water as hazelnut isn't my preferred flavor in whiskey. Water revealed some vanilla bean, but the fresh hazelnut remains. Easy to drink, but not to my taste.

The aroma was herbal, citrusy, almost floral with a hint of oak. On the palate, there was a pleasant sweet nuttiness, like hazelnut, that lingered, providing a good warming sensation. I'm very satisfied with this purchase; it's a bit young but presents as balanced for its age. I would buy it again.

It has a grassy character. Perhaps the color of the wax, but I detect carrots? The taste is light, smooth, with a refreshing sweetness. This is a bourbon suited for spring or summer. Not bad, certainly distinctive.