Pinhook Bourbon War Series 4 Year Old Bourbon Review (2019)

By Richard Thomas

Rating: B-

The Pinhook brand name represents whiskeys from at least the warehouse of the Castle & Key Distillery, which in turn is the renovated and revived Old Taylor Distillery, a neo-Gothic glory that was formerly the showpiece of the famous Colonel E.H. Taylor (whose name now graces a Buffalo Trace-brand). The company hired Marianne Eaves (then Barnes) away from Brown-Forman to get their production started, and she has since gone on to become a whiskey rock star.

However, this whiskey wasn’t made at Castle & Key. Instead, this 4 year old first batch in the Bourbon War series is sourced from MGP, from a 75% corn, 20.5% rye, and 4.5% malted barley stock. It’s bottled at 98 proof. We previously looked at the inaugural release of Pinhook Rye Time release, the 4 year old Tiz. Now it’s time to look at its cousin.

The Bourbon
As a traditional bourbon just over the line dividing young from mature American whiskey, Bourbon War has a pale amber look. The nose was like being handed a plate of warm ginger and orange cookies. The palate was a little on the thin side, and that despite a flavor profile that was honey sweet, seasoned with vanilla and a dry, spicy jolt. This fades down to just pepper, then a trace of tannins.

The Price
A bottle of Pinhook Bourbon War can be had for $45.