Just in time for Kentucky Derby, Pinhook’s ‘Tiz Rye Time’ 5-year races onto shelves

Kentucky Derby time is upon us once more, so what better time to talk about Pinhook Rye?  The bottle has a horse on it!

Pinhook Distillery has released two lines of product — a bourbon, and a rye — as part of their “vertical” series which will follow the same distillate over the course of nine years.  The idea is that it will allow for there to be different vintages of the same product, and will allow enthusiasts to follow the progression of the same spirit as it ages for nine years and see for themselves how time in the barrel affects the end product.

Today, we’re taking a look at Pinhook’s second release of their rye in this vertical series, “Tiz Rye Time” 5-year.  Tying into the Kentucky Derby, each of these bottlings is named after a horse and the bottle has “stats” that tell us the horse’s size, sex, and color.

This rye is bottled at 103 proof and as stated earlier, is 5 years old.  Being higher proof, it will stand up nicely in a cocktail like an Old Fashioned, or as I prefer, drinks wonderfully neat.

Pinhook Tiz Rye Time 5-year nose:

• Sweet
• Herbal
• Tea
• Caramel
• Mint
• Bubblegum

The nose is very herbal, almost like green tea.  A hint of caramel-like sweetness melds with a twinge of mint to evoke a sense of Springtime.  There is also a bit of what I would perceive as pink bubblegum that I sometimes notice (and enjoy)  on younger rye.

Pinhook Tiz Rye Time 5-year palate:

• Rye spice
• Sweet
• Floral
• Maple
• Vanilla
• Oak

On the palate, the sweetness from the nose comes through but is more maple than caramel.  Rye spice is prominent as well, though not overpowering.  The herbal notes from the nose are floral in nature but are rounded out by the sweetness with a bit of vanilla.  Oak is also a bit noticeable, but not in a prominent manner.

Pinhook Tiz Rye Time 5-year finish:

The finish is medium in length, with a nice warming rye spice.  Herbal notes from the nose resurface and bloom across the palate once more, leaving you desiring another sip.

For around $50, this is a very satisfying rye indeed.  The 4-year of this particular expression is what had me searching for a 5-year this go around and I’ll be sure to try and procure the next seven batches as well.  Do yourself a favor and grab a bottle of Pinhook’s “Tiz Rye Time” 5-year.  If you’re a fan of rye, this bottle won’t disappoint.

What liquor find do you have to share?