Pinhook 10-yr Vertical Rye

With each passing year, the excitement around the Pinhook Vertical Series continues to grow, especially as the releases move into double-digit age statements. And with good reason. The Vertical Rye has been named Best American Rye two years in a row at the Ascot Awards, along with Best American Rye Whiskey at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition.

For those unfamiliar, Pinhook releases a new bourbon and rye each year, each tied to a promising young thoroughbred. The whiskey in every release reflects the best expression of their barrels at that moment in time, blended and proofed to be as unique as the horse on the label.

Blended from just 25 barrels, this year’s Vertical Series Rye is the most limited release in the series to date. It opens with an enveloping nose of dried fig, white chocolate, molasses cookie, and black pepper, leading into a coating palate of dates, roasted almond frangipane, burnt honey, and juniper.

Pinhook doesn’t chase a fixed flavor profile or proof. Instead, the focus is on producing the best possible whiskey each vintage. The Vertical Rye Series offers a rare opportunity to follow a group of 450 MGP barrels as they age from 4 to 16 years, with each release showcasing a new stage of maturity.

Pinhook also invites a small number of groups and retailers to participate in the Vertical Series, selecting a single barrel alongside each annual release. We’re excited to offer both this year’s 10-year Vertical blend and our accompanying Vertical Rye Single Barrel.

Our 7-year single barrel leaned into maple and mint sugars. The 8-year brought more candied citrus, fruit, and mint. Last year’s 9-year introduced a foundation of brown sugar and mint with elevated, fragrant citrus notes.

So what will we find in this year’s 10-year?

 
Apple jacks with a touch of turbinado simple syrup on the nose. Warm and inviting. There are notes of baked pastries and dried currants as it opens up.
 
The palate brings in more of the caramel and dried fruit. Some ryes are fresh and bright. This is a rye perfect for a cold night around a fire. The baking spice is subtle but warming. The fruit and floral notes makes it delicious and ready for another sip. The palate continues to open up with canned peaches, dried oregano and sweet oak.
 
The finish touches on toasted coconut and cedar. All cohesive as a really enjoyable pour!