I am so glad I revisited Pinhook Bourbon War 6 Year Vertical Series after my initial neck pour tasting. It is much better the second time around. Evidently, the Vertical Series began in 2019 with a 4-year release and is continuing the journey through age 12 in annual releases. This is the 6-year MGP batch.
A mild cinnamon spice on the nose…seems like this is a high-rye bourbon. The richness of the nose comes out after you let the bourbon sit in the glass for a little bit. Then, you can discern the caramel richness. Which momentarily overtakes the spice. Virtually no ethanol is discernible on the nose, even at 115.4 proof.
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The palate is brown sugar, sweet on the front end, and spicy on the back; tasty. Pinhook Bourbon War 6 Year Vertical Series seems to drink a little hotter than its 115.4 proof. I wish it were a tad bit smoother. Having said that, because of the intense flavors, the heat is not a negative. A tiny bit of licorice seems to come out of nowhere to linger in the mouth after the bourbon is gone.
The finish is good; hot on the back of the throat and spicy and long in the esophagus.