Review #: 212
Description: Pinhook Rye’d On
Spirit: Rye
Background: Pinhook Rye’d On is a much anticipated release as it is the first whiskey that was distilled at Castle and Key to be released since it’s renovation and return to working order. Contract distilled using Pinhook’s mashbill of 60% rye, 20% corn, and 20% malted barley. Aged for 2 years, let’s see if the magic of the castle finds its way into the whiskey.
Distillery – Castle & Key
Bottler – Pinhook
Brand – Pinhook
Selection – N/A
ABV – 46.5%
Age – 2 Years
Nose – Lots of bright rye spice, juicy fruit gum, tree bark, burnt match stick, bubble gum
Taste – Very sweet: apple, maraschino cherry, peach rings. Almost candy like sweetness
Finish – Very strong hit of spice: hot cinnamon, rye, burnt toast, soured peaches, raw grain
Score: 5
Would I buy a bottle? No
Thoughts: I was really expecting this to be a bit rough, but I was pleasantly surprised. There was nothing overtly terrible that I picked up on. The finish shows the age and it definitely drinks 15-20% higher than it’s proof, but every time I thought maybe I tasted something I didn’t like, it didn’t stay long enough to identify. I think more age though will only benefit it, but this is a nice start.