After a successful first collaboration between Pinhook and André Hueston Mack, the founder and award-winning winemaker of Maison Noir Wines, the team decided that a second edition of the series was warranted.
For this second edition of the Pinhook Collaboration Series, Master Blender Sean Josephs collaborates with luminaries in other sensory-rich fields and has partnered with Garrett Oliver, brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery and 2014 James Beard Award winner.
The two became friends as Garrett was a regular at Char No. 4, Sean’s Brooklyn bourbon bar and have teamed up to produce an artfully structured high-proof, high-rye bourbon.
Garrett is probably best known as the author of The Brewmaster’s Table and the editor-in-chief of The Oxford Companion to Beer.
A professional brewing veteran of more than 30 years, Garrett is also a great enthusiast of bourbon, Cognac, and mezcal and he brings an intriguing sensory perspective to the brands innovative “pinhooking” approach: sourcing great barrels of whiskey and blending and proofing them into exceptional bourbons and ryes.
“The Collaboration Series is one of my favorite projects to work on, it allows me to work with my friends from my years of hospitality; to learn how they see bourbon and distilling; to grow my skill set, bringing back some new techniques to Pinhook’s other lines; to make some unique-tasting liquid; and, of course, have a little bit of fun. It is important for us to stay curious, and that is one of the pillars our brand is built on. This is a great way to invite curiosity.” – Sean Josephs, Pinhook’s Master Blender
Distilled at Still Austin, located in Austin, TX, this high-proof, high-rye bourbon was aged for four years in the Texas heat before being blended and proofed from 20 pinhooked barrels. This results in a whiskey with maturity that far exceeds its years in the barrel.
“The MJF has now awarded more than 20 technical education scholarships for distilling and brewing. This donation will mean that 20 more lives will be changed through the generosity of our partners like Pinhook. But more than just generosity, it’s a shared belief that we need a more equitable and diverse future.”
“Big thanks to Pinhook for partnering with The MJF on this special collaboration so that our work to change the face of brewing and distilling is sustainable into the future.” – Garrett Oliver
Tasting Notes: A nose of tropical fruit, aromatic spice, raisins, and chocolate leads to a rich palate of caramel, gingerbread, dark cherries, and licorice.
Pinhook’s Collaboration Series #2 is composed of 75% corn, 20% malted barley, and 5% rye and is aged for 4 years before being bottled at 118.9 proof (59.45% ABV) is now available with a suggested retail price of $99.99.
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