Pinhook Rye Humor

It's amazing how many users incorrectly add new reviewed products to this app. Since this entry is clearly intended to be the non-single barrel 2018 version, this is of course what I am reviewing here. Pinhook and I have a complicated relationship. Some of their products are great, and some disappoint. You would think their system is quite flawless: one bourbon and one rye per year, different colors, easy-to-distinguish labels and wax seals. However, I've found that on several occasions, I've either become confused or mixed up one product I bought, and then realized it wasn't what I originally wanted. In this case, I was certain in the store that this was 'Tiz Rye Time, but alas, I suppose my own mistake led me to miss the bright blue seal. The aroma has a good amount of fresh sugar and cinnamon, which is carried on a strong wave of grass, banana, and toffee. The proof isn't overwhelming, but it definitely signals that this isn't an entry-level rye. My first taste is immediately banana and sugar; I'm definitely getting bananas foster notes. You could easily tell me this was rum barrel-aged, and I'd probably start guessing the rum distillery with great confidence. There's spice near the finish, but it comes more from the proof than from the rye itself. The finish is long, but again, this is mostly due to the proof. However, I can certainly taste the cinnamon spice as it works its way into my gums. Honestly, there's very little rye contribution here compared to everything else offered. Usually, Pinhook disappoints with a lack of flavor due to cutting their age too soon, but this one doesn't bother me too much. Really, in my opinion, rye whiskeys don't need much age, especially when the base mash bill is all or mostly rye, and this one might be at its optimal age. I can imagine myself enjoying this just as much neat as I could in some great cocktails, both classic and new.

I'll begin by stating my bottle is the 2019 cask strength rye, humorously named, at 115 ABV. It's a 95/5 MGP rye blend. The bottle looks identical to the picture, but the contents might differ, as all Pinhook bottles appear the same to me. Now, about what's inside. I'll start by saying this was surprisingly "sweeter" than I expected, considering the proof and that it's a rye whiskey. "Smooth" is in quotes because I believe most people wouldn't use that adjective, but I think most whiskey drinkers will understand. The flavors reminded me of Dickel rye, though I didn't have a bottle to compare side-by-side. Since this uses the standard MGP rye mash bill, I imagine I'm not far off. For what it's worth, I love Dickel rye. The price was a bit more than I prefer to spend, almost $50 after tax, but I'm happy with my purchase for splurging occasionally on something I tried and liked beforehand. I tried this at home alongside 3 other ryes the other night (Wild Buck, HW Double Rye, and Templeton 4), and this ranked second best in my opinion, behind the Double Rye, which costs half as much. I bet this would make an amazing Old Fashioned, so I'll experiment with that next time I open it. Conclusion: Yes, this was a good rye, but it replicates a bottle that costs half as much (Dickel) while also having a higher proof. So, if you like Dickel rye but want a bit more kick, this might be for you.

Nose: Key-lime pie topped with whipped cream. Lemongrass. The citrus aroma is intense, akin to direct addition of citrus oils. Red bell pepper, thyme, basil. Pine-Sol. Freshly cut grass, hay from a barn. Unripe bananas. Tart cherries, floral notes. The bouquet is almost like tequila. Some oak present, but minimal. Palate: Honey, key lime, vanilla-infused whipped cream. Oak, though scarce, leans towards sandalwood. Abundant fruit notes emerge: ripe blueberry, strawberry, apricot, blackberries... Even ripe banana. The vegetal aspects are now more mint and clove oil compared to the nose. Texture is medium-light. The finish starts with an immediate rush of mint, fruit, and citrus oil. The fruit and mint begin to recede as tannins appear. Pine, citrus oil, and mint then vie for attention before the finish dissipates. Medium-long length. Additional thoughts: This spirit is uniquely fascinating in the most positive way. It possesses considerable character without being difficult to appreciate; minimal adjustment is needed, allowing immediate enjoyment. The citrus and fruit elements are entirely unexpected, demonstrating rye's potential beyond common perception. While perhaps not universally appealing, it represents a superb concept and realization to me.

-Drank neat to start and ended with one ice cube. -Aroma: forest pine, wildflowers, a bit of rosewater. -Palate: Citrus (orange) initially, then spearmint and clove battle back and forth. -Finish: Clove spice lingers, citrus pleasantly stays on the tongue. -No need for ice, however, it does reveal deeper herbal and orange peel notes.

The aroma is herbal, with notes of white pine and pine cones, along with a trace of vanilla and caramel. The mouthfeel is full and viscous. The initial taste is sweet and fruity, becoming punchy and spicy as a rye should. The finish resembles a light IPA. It lingers with a slow, gentle burn and a mild warmth in the chest. An easy-drinking spirit that meets expectations.

Not my favorite. The aroma is a nice caramel. The initial taste reveals a rye sharpness on the front of the tongue rather than a burn in the back of the throat. The finish is a warming of the throat with no dominant flavor noticeably lingering. One drop of water does lessen the burn.