Brown sugar | Nutmeg | Salted caramel | Fresh baked cinnamon bread | Faint oak | Browned butter | Rich & classic

Baking spices | Burnt caramel | Charred aged oak | Vanilla syrup | Rye spice | Baked bread

Rye spice | Charred oak | Leather | Dry lingering spice

Now in its 7th year, the Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series continues to be one of the most interesting experiments taking place in the bourbon space. The series started with Bourbon War 4 Year and up until last year, was targeted to end in 2027 when the bourbon would have been 12 years old. However, the brand has decided to extend the original 1,350 barrels selected to make up this Vertical Series into 2031, when the bourbon will be 16 years old.

While last year’s Bourbon War 9 Year saw another decrease in proof for the second year in a row, this year’s release bucks the trend, coming in at 115.9 proof. This year’s release consists of 75 barrels, which is the smallest lot of barrels used in a release in this vertical series to date, with approximately 625 barrels remaining to create the final six batches.

The Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series has delivered a decent sip these past few years, and the 2025 entry is no exception. It leans towards a more classic flavor profile throughout, starting with an aroma that is rich and inviting and the star of the show. The bourbon's midpoint focuses on sweet, aged oak notes, highlighting its time in the barrels, which is particularly evident in the lingering dry oak note it rides out on. As the series moves into double-digit territory, it's clear that the barrels are aging nicely and that this series can stand toe to toe and even best other well-known, higher-aged, and higher-proofed bourbons such as Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.