Pinhook 11 Year Vertical Series Straight Bourbon is a cask-strength Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 57.2% ABV (114.4 proof), blended from just 62 barrels aged 11 years at Castle & Key Distillery. Unfiltered and non-chill processed, this 2026 release captures deep caramel, toasted oak, and warm baking spice — a serious pour for bourbon collectors chasing the next chapter of one of the industry's most talked-about aging experiments.

Pinhook built its reputation on transparency and small-batch precision, and the Vertical Series is the brand's most ambitious project yet — a 13-year study following roughly 1,350 barrels of the same mash bill and fill date from four years old all the way to sixteen. Each annual release offers a snapshot of how the whiskey changes with time in the barrel, giving drinkers a rare chance to taste maturation in real time rather than guess at it.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: brown sugar sweetness, toasted oak, dried cherry, faint vanilla bean, light rye spice
• Palate: caramel and dark toffee, warm cinnamon spice, baking chocolate, ripe stone fruit, oak tannin
• Finish: long, with lingering clove, char, and a dry oaky spice that builds pleasantly

Product Details

Perfect For

• Serious bourbon collectors: a must-have addition for anyone tracking the full Vertical Series from start to finish.
• Neat sipping by the fire: cask-strength proof and long finish make this one for slow, deliberate sipping.
• Gifting the whiskey nerd in your life: a genuinely unique story bottle for someone who already has the "usual" bourbons.
• Home bar centerpiece: a standout pour for tastings, whiskey club nights, or side-by-side comparisons with earlier Vertical Series releases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pinhook 11 Year Vertical Series good for sipping neat?

Yes, at 114.4 proof this bourbon is built for neat sipping or with a single ice cube to open up the caramel and spice notes. Its cask-strength intensity and long finish reward slow, patient tasting.

What makes the Vertical Series different from other Pinhook bourbons?

The Vertical Series follows the same group of barrels every year as they age from four to sixteen years old, giving drinkers a rare look at how one whiskey evolves over time. This 11 Year release is a specific, limited snapshot of that journey and won't be repeated.

How does this compare to other cask-strength bourbons?

If you enjoy high-proof, barrel-forward bourbons like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Stagg, this release offers similar intensity with its own distinct MGP-sourced mash bill character. It's a great pick for anyone who wants cask strength without sacrificing balance.

Is this bourbon worth the price for casual drinkers?

This is more of a collector and enthusiast bottle given its limited 62-barrel blend and Vertical Series pedigree. For everyday sipping, it's still a rewarding pour, but the real value here is the story and rarity behind each annual release.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.