A little background

Each year, Pinhook releases a special vintage of small-batch bourbon and ryes. These releases are designed to present whiskey fans with their very best spirits instead of replicating specific flavor profiles. Each vintage is dedicated to a promising young American thoroughbred. The 2020 release is dedicated to Bohemian Bourbon, a chestnut filly. This bourbon was distilled, blended, and bottled at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Ky. It’s also the first bourbon in half a century to be distilled, aged, and bottled at the legendary Old Taylor Distillery (now Castle & Key). This bourbon is a limited expression of 100 barrels, aged more than 34 months, and blended and proofed by Sean Josephs, Pinhook’s Co-Founder and Master Taster. The mashbill consists of 75% Corn, 15% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley. Pinhook Bohemian Bourbon High Proof is bottled at 114.5 proof and has an MSRP of around $50.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Deep Copper

Nose

Nice hints of orange citrus, vanilla, corn, coconut, and an overall sweetness.

Palate

Grand Marnier, vanilla, deep caramel, sweet tarts, corn, salted caramel, and a light touch of chocolate.

Finish

The finish is where this bourbon really comes to life with waves of flavors. Buttered corn, orange sherbet, salted caramel, and oak. The finish is slightly drying.

In closing

Overall, this is a very enjoyable bourbon. The palate and nose are pleasant, but it’s the finish that really shines. It’s a perfect blend of sweetness and richness with great waves of flavors and complexity. If Pinhook and Castle & Key Distillery are putting out bourbon this good at just 34 months of age, the future of those brands is looking very promising! Without question, this is a bottle to pick up if you see it on the shelf.