Pinhook Bourbon (Photo by the brand)

Vertical Series Surges

The Vertical Series by Pinhook is back with another annual addition: an 8-year-old bourbon that further showcases the effects of maturation. Vertical 8 is the fifth edition of the series, which began with a four-year expression and will eventually include a 12-year-old. The idea behind the series is quite simple, and Pinhook founder and Master Blender Sean Josephs finds it surprising that the concept hasn’t been widely incorporated. By using an identical mash bill, Pinhook minimizes year-to-year variables, resulting in nearly identical products with just one primary difference – the proof is adjusted to best complement the resultant whiskey. For example, Vertical 5 was bottled at 104 proof (52% ABV), whereas last year’s release, Vertical 7, was released at 57.5% ABV.

I was fortunate enough to try this new release as part of a guided tasting of Vertical Series releases 5 through 8, led personally by Josephs. What stood out was the consistency in balance and complexity, no matter the age. And, despite the considerable variation in proof of the four, I believe it would be difficult to identify the release in a blind tasting.

Tasting Notes

Josephs wanted to ensure that the wood character did not overpower the carefully curated blend, a common issue with extended wood maturation, and I can attest that he succeeded! At this age, the wood character begins to assert itself noticeably. However, Vertical 8’s proof (114.6/57.3% ABV – just under last year’s release) goes a very long way toward balancing the richness of the barrel notes, expanding the depth, and opening up the subtleties of the bourbon.

Beyond the typical notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak common in many older bourbons, Vertical 8 also reveals lingering herbal and earthy qualities. These are encouraged by its high rye mash bill of 75% corn, 20.5% rye, and 4.5% malted barley, providing a definitive spice with notes of clove and cinnamon to go along with the dark fruit and brown sugar. Vertical 8 is an absolute pleasure from top to bottom, checking every box of a well-matured bourbon, plus a little something extra.

Final Thoughts

Something that struck me about this release was Joseph’s focus on its availability. Pinhook takes great pride that, despite Vertical 8 being a mindfully crafted expression, it’s available for more people to try than the typical exclusive or limited release. With 20,000 bottles released for distribution, it should be available near you, so do your best to get your hands on this. You will not be disappointed.