Pinhook Bourbon Review

In 2011, three long-time friends, Charles Fulford, Jay Peterson, and Sean Josephs, came together to create Pinhook Bourbon. Each of them brought something special to the table: one’s a certified sommelier with a deep love for American Whiskey, and the others are pros in marketing, distribution, and branding. Together, they’ve crafted a bourbon that stands out, and it’s all thanks to their passion and expertise.

Every year, Pinhook releases a fresh vintage of bourbon, each one packed with its own unique blend and flavor profile; it’s the gift that keeps on giving for bourbon lovers. In this review, we cover everything you need to know about Pinhook Bourbon and their different spirits, including how to drink each vintage, what you can expect to pay, and the tasting notes of each year’s offerings.

If your interest has been piqued (and we’re sure it has), keep reading our Pinhook Bourbon review to find out why it should be the next bourbon you try.

If you’re a fan of Bourbon Whiskey and you haven’t tried Pinhook Bourbon yet, you are missing out. With a new release every year, each vintage brings unique flavors that keep things fresh and exciting. Here’s a quick review of Pinhook Bourbon:

• Classification: Bourbon

• Tasting Notes: Vanilla, banana bread, cinnamon, and peppery spice (varies depending on vintage)

• Distillery: Pinhook

• Proof: 98 (varies depending on vintage)

• Pros: New flavors every year, aged for at least three years, and unique premium vintages are available.

• Cons: Some people may not like that the flavor is slightly different with each vintage.

Bourbon Whiskey, including Pinhook Bourbon, has deep roots in American history, dating back to the late 18th century. The first commercial bourbon distillery opened in 1783, and the spirit quickly became a staple across the country. Even classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Sazerac pay homage to bourbon’s rich heritage through their timeless recipes and names.

Today, Pinhook Bourbon continues that legacy, crafting a smooth, one-of-a-kind bourbon each year. Every release celebrates the unique flavors that come with each barrel, keeping things fresh, exciting, and always full of surprises.

The alcohol content of Pinhook Bourbon varies based on the year but is typically around 98 proof. Cask-strength bottles tend to be greater than 100 proof.

Pinhook Bourbon keeps things interesting by changing its flavor every year, depending on the barrels it’s aged in. For example, the 2024 Pinhook Straight Bourbon is aged for three years, and throughout this process, a nose of butterscotch, banana bread, cinnamon, and red apple creates an aroma that naturally draws you in.

As you take the first sip, the experience deepens with tasting notes of raisin, vanilla extract, and burnt sugar. The finish lingers pleasantly but never overstays its welcome. With every sip, you'll notice how Pinhook Bourbon perfectly balances smoothness with a delightful kick of peppery spice.

Pinhook Bourbon is incredibly easy to enjoy! Grab a bottle and a glass, and maybe toss in a little ice or a splash of water if you’re feeling it; it's a great bourbon to sip straight, but if you want to make the experience even better, we recommend adding some ice to bring down its temperature.

Of course, this all depends on your preference, so if you like your bourbon warm, a splash of water will do the trick and make it even smoother. Find what feels right for you and enjoy the experience!

Pinhook Bourbon is also great in cocktails. It shines the brightest in a Bourbon Old Fashioned or a Bourbon Sazerac, so avoid using it with mixers like soda if you want to experience the most of what its flavor has to offer.

Pinhook isn't just good bourbon; it's great bourbon. While it's not as expensive as some premium brands, you’re getting a three-year-old bourbon that's plenty smooth and spicy. Plus, you can choose between cask strength and standard bourbons, giving you tons of different options.

That said, you shouldn't just take our word for it, and you don't have to. Pinhook Bourbon is an award-winning liquor that won a Platinum medal at the SIP Awards and a Gold medal at the Ascot Awards.

When you’re shopping for whiskey, you'll find that there are many types, but Rye and Bourbon tend to be the most popular American options. Pinhook makes both Bourbon and Rye Whiskey, so it's a good idea to know what makes them different.

The most obvious difference is the mash bill, which is more rye-focused with Pinhook’s Straight Rye compared to their bourbon. This alters the flavor of the whiskey and results in a more spicy whiskey. Rye also adds different flavor notes than bourbon, such as toffee, coffee, clove, and honey.

Depending on your flavor preferences, both of Pinhook’s whiskey options can be great choices.

Pinhook Bourbon is a great gift for people who love bourbon. That said, you may have to wrap it yourself or add it to a gift bag since the packaging isn’t very gift-friendly. Not ideal, but it works! (And the bourbon itself is so good no one will mind about the packaging anyway!)

If you really want to spoil someone, Flaviar offers a Champions of Bourbon package that allows you to send several different bottles of bourbon to someone every month.

Most liquor stores carry Pinhook Bourbon, and it's even available for shipping through platforms like Flaviar in most states, except Arkansas, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Utah.

You can also find Pinhook Bourbon in many restaurants and bars, but the available vintage may vary. We recommend ordering online if you have a specific preference or year that you like.

A standard bottle of Pinhook Bourbon costs around $40, but their cask-strength and premium vintages may cost more than $100. Bars or restaurants may charge around $4-7 for a shot or around $10-15 for a cocktail. This also depends on the type of Pinhook Bourbon you select.

Pinhook Bourbon is just one of many exceptional choices in the world of bourbon. If you're looking to explore other premium options, consider checking out our in-depth reviews of Angel's Envy Bourbon and Buffalo Trace Bourbon, both offering unique flavors and craftsmanship that elevate any bourbon collection.

Yes, Pinhook Bourbon is worth trying. Their most popular is the Straight Bourbon, which is aged for three years at 98 proof, offering a great balance of smoothness and spice.

With rich caramel notes and a smooth finish, it’s a great introduction to the brand. Add Pinhook Straight Bourbon to your cart and dive into the world of Pinhook spirits!