Pinhook Hard Rye Guy

It might appear I criticize certain distilleries, but that's not my intention. This profile is distinct and young, making it somewhat unappealing to me. This specific bottle, for instance, doesn't resonate with me. It has about 3-4 prominent notes and strongly favors one profile. However, with time, it could become a successor (or at least a competitor) to MGP's more herbal character. Such potential should attract the support of dedicated bourbon enthusiasts. This bottle is somewhat light on the nose, which is expected for a 2-year-old spirit. The color is also light. It presents typical light caramel and wood notes, followed by an interesting spice. I initially suspected caraway or fennel, but on the palate, it comes across like a butter pickle. It's not astringent, but definitely more herbal than sweet. This reminds me of MGP. MGP frequently produces a product, often described as 'dill,' which becomes remarkable when aged for over 10 years. Around 5-6 years, intriguing elements begin to emerge, but by 10-11 years, things become fascinating, and at 12+ years barrel strength... you understand. I'm uncertain how this will develop because, honestly, it requires time to mature and establish itself. If the sweet notes deepen and enrich, the herbal qualities expand, and a touch of funk or leather appears, this distillery might become a new favorite. I feel it's worth supporting them and hoping they can produce enough volume to offer truly exceptional 10+ year stock in about 12-15 years (depending on distilling, barreling, and warehouse capacity). Setting aside speculation, I'm not sure I'd recommend this particular bottle unless you enjoy butter pickles and corn whiskey. If both of those appeal to you and you're willing to spend over $50, then proceed. I would opt for this over another young NDP bottling from MGP at the same price point if that's your inclination.

Made in Frankfort, KY, this rye whiskey is young. It presents a light golden hue with average legs. The aroma offers banana and maple syrup with hints of rye grass and spice. On the palate, it's sweet and slightly sour, with vanilla, grain, and ethanol heat, quickly followed by dry, tannic oak and vanilla with hot rye spice in a lengthy finish. The sourness and heat reveal its youth, suggesting it needs more time to mature. Adding ice doesn't improve it, amplifying the sweet/sour taste and tannic finish. While not ideal neat, it's decent on the rocks. It was disappointing in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Sticking to the rocks seems best, perhaps a 3.5. Neat, it's just shy of a 3.25 due to its youth. Since it doesn't mix well, I'll generously rate it a 3.0. I'll reconsider this rating after more time with it.

I've noticed Pinhook frequently and had the opportunity to taste the rye at a bar. I was keen to try this since I'm a big fan of rye. The aroma was not impressive. It was minty and spicy, but an odd combination. The taste was also underwhelming, with a stronger kick from all the baking spices. I couldn't discern many flavors as it tasted intense with so much spice. The finish was equally disappointing for me. An intense finish with more spice that simply dominated everything. All in all, I was not impressed and will likely refrain from purchasing any Pinhook bottles until I can sample them beforehand.

Nose - light, smooth, banana, vanilla, maple Palate - much more intense than the nose, spicy right from the start, herbal and fills your senses like eucalyptus and mint, spicy Finish - lingering oak, spice, and walnut Updated to add the long lingering finish tastes like molasses. Very pleasant.

3.3.22 Served: Neat, Flute Bottle Opened: Same Day Aroma: Pound cake throughout. Nasal fatigue reveals unseasoned, starchy mashed potato. Flavor: Savory initially. Caramel in the middle throughout. Medicinal on the back end after adding water.

This is an excellent value, quite unlike a typical rye. It's very much like EH Taylor Rye, with bourbon-like notes on both the nose and palate. A definite purchase, it has subtle spice, plenty of vanilla, and a long finish. I'd buy it again without hesitation.