Pinhook Vertical Series 11 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey 2026
Pinhook Vertical Series 11 Year Old Bourbon (2026 release) is the 11th chapter of one of bourbon's most ambitious projects. This 750mL bottle of Kentucky straight bourbon is 11 years old and bottled unfiltered at cask strength — 114.4 proof (57.2% ABV) per retailer specs (Pinhook does not publish proof officially; it varies by vintage).
The Vertical Series follows a single group of roughly 1,350 barrels — all distilled in 2015 at MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, on the same mash bill of 75% corn, 20.5% rye, and 4.5% malted barley — as they age year by year. The barrels were moved to Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, where Master Blender Sean Josephs tastes and blends each vintage fresh: the 2026 release draws from just 62 barrels, selected for this year's peak. Preorder began September 2026 with shipping mid-October, and like every Vertical Series release it's finished with Pinhook's signature gold wax.
Tasting notes (official)
Nose: burnt orange peel, molasses, white pepper, cedar. Palate: ripe strawberry, crème brûlée, toasted almond, candied cinnamon — rich and coating, with a long, warming finish of lingering spice and seasoned oak.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 11 years old, cask strength — 114.4 proof, uncut and unfiltered
- A one-of-one vintage: each year's Vertical Series blend is a distinct, unrepeatable selection
- Single barrel group, single mash bill — the purest expression of time in bourbon
- A trophy bottle for serious whiskey collectors
How to serve it
Neat in a Glencairn to taste it as Josephs blended it — then add a few drops of water, which opens the fruit and sweetness dramatically at this proof.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pinhook's Vertical Series?
An annual release following one group of ~1,350 barrels (distilled 2015, same mash bill) as they age. Each year's bottling — the "vintage" — is a fresh blend selected at that age, bottled cask strength.
How strong is the 2026 11 Year release?
Listed at 114.4 proof (57.2% ABV), unfiltered. Proof varies by vintage since each year's barrels are blended to taste.
Where is it made?
Distilled at MGP in Indiana, aged and blended at Castle & Key in Kentucky by Sean Josephs.