Pinhook Straight Rye is a vintage-driven Kentucky straight rye, developed, distilled and aged over two years at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, then bottled unfiltered at 99 proof (49.5% ABV).
Pinhook takes a winemaker's approach to whiskey: through careful barrel selection, blending in small batches and meticulous proofing, each vintage has a personality as unique as the horse on its label. Master Blender Sean Josephs blends and proofs every release, and the rye is made from Pinhook's own mash bill of 60% rye, 20% corn and 20% malted barley, all non-GMO and locally sourced grains.
The 2022 vintage showcases bright aromas of pear, clove, walnut and honeycomb. These transition to a vibrant palate of baked apple, black pepper and toffee.
A bold, smooth everyday rye at a proof that stands up to ice and cocktails.
American rye whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% rye and aged in new charred oak, giving it a spicier, drier character than bourbon, with notes of pepper, herbs and baking spice.
Pinhook was established in 2014, and each annual release is blended to reflect the character of that specific year rather than to match a fixed house profile. The approach has earned recognition: the 2021 vintage took a Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The rye is aged in charred new oak barrels before Sean Josephs blends the barrels and proofs the whiskey to the strength where it drinks best.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Pear, clove, walnut, honeycomb.
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Palate: Baked apple, black pepper, toffee.
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Finish: Warm and spicy.
Specifications
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Brand: Pinhook
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Distillery: Castle & Key Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky
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Style: Kentucky straight rye whiskey
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Mash bill: 60% rye, 20% corn, 20% malted barley
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Age: 2+ years
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Filtration: Unfiltered
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Proof / ABV: 99 proof (49.5% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
A bold sipper neat or over ice, and a natural for a Sazerac, Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is it made?
At Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.
What is the mash bill?
60% rye, 20% corn and 20% malted barley.
What proof is it?
99 proof, bottled unfiltered.
Explore more in our Rye collection.
