Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year

A little background

The Pinhook Bourbon Vertical Series is a unique way to see how whiskey evolves over time. Pinhook selected a group of 1,350 MGP bourbon barrels with the plan to dump 150 barrels each year, bottling them at varying proofs to create the most balanced expression of the whiskey at that age. The 2020 release of the Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series is the second release in the series, which was a 5 Year bourbon that was bottled at 104 Proof. The inaugural release of the Vertical Series was in 2019 with a 98 Proof 4-Year-Old Bourbon. The mash bill consists of 75% Corn, 20.5% Rye, and 4.5% Malted Barley. Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year has an MSRP of approximately $55 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Deep Gold

Nose

Vanilla, banana, cherries, nuts, and tropical fruits. This nose is like a fresh-baked loaf of banana bread!

Palate

A thick mouthfeel with notes of cherries, banana, simple syrup, roasted marshmallows, cinnamon, and corn.

Finish

The finish is pleasantly long and full of almonds, orange citrus, buttered popcorn, and lingering cinnamon spice.

In closing

Overall, Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year is a very good bourbon that’s seen great evolution since the previous 4-yr batch (review here). Although still sweet, I feel the extra age has tamed that sweetness down a bit and added in some additional depth and complexity. The mouthfeel and finish have both improved, in addition to the great new tropical fruit notes! Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year Bourbon is a bottle worth buying, but be sure to sip it slowly so you can compare it to future releases, or just by an extra bottle or two!

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Pinhook Bourbon. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.