Pinhook 10-yr Vertical Bourbon
Brian Beyke
September 25, 2025
2023's release of the 8-year Pinhook Bourbon Vertical was one of my Top 3 accessible bourbons of the year. This 10-year may be even better. Interest has only grown as the series approaches double-digit age statements. Whether you’ve been a longtime Pinhook fan or waiting for the right moment to jump in, this 10-year Vertical Bourbon may be the best Pinhook release yet.
Pinhook isn’t bound by a set flavor profile or proof, only by the ethos of producing the best whiskey each vintage. The Bourbon Vertical Series offers a rare chance to explore how age shapes whiskey. We’re following 1,350 MGP barrels as they mature from 4 to 12 years, watching the arc of flavors develop. This 10-Year bourbon is the 7th vintage in that series. Distilled at MGP in Indiana, and aged, blended, and bottled at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, KY, it was crafted under the direction of Pinhook Master Blender Sean Josephs.
We also sat down with Sean for our latest Seelbach's Weekly Review, where he shares insights on his new blending approach for this 10-year bourbon.
The nose is syrupy and inviting, almost like nosing an old fashioned. Sweet leather and balanced sweet oak open the way to cane sugar cola, maple, expressed orange peel, and candied cashews.
The palate is rich and dessert-y, playing with peach ring candies, orange cream soda, plum, and brandied cherry. Underneath, deep resonant sweet oak anchors the sip, while balanced spice and silky milk chocolate bring everything together.
The finish is damp and trails long, carrying sweet tobacco, caramel, and Neapolitan ice cream sandwich that lingers well into the long finish.