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.
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.