Classification: Straight Rye
Company: CJS Beverage Corp.
Distillery: Sourced from Castle & Key Distillery
Release Date: Summer 2022
Proof: 99
Age: 2 Years
Mashbill: 60% Rye, 20% Corn, 20% Malted Barley
Color: Yellow Gold
MSRP: $40 (2022)
Bananas Flambe | New oak | Light grain | Fresh vanilla bean | Faint yellow cake
Light oak | Fresh vanilla | Touch of cinnamon apples | Rye spice | Dehydrated bananas | Interesting sweet notes blend with light spice
Jolt of rye spice | Light leather | Dry oak | Peppercorn mix | Light banana | Lingering heat and spice
A 2-year-old rye is fun for what it is and features a reasonable price for the quality it delivers, we'd still like to see what a few more years in the barrel does for this brand.
The 2022 release of Pinhook Rye is named Rye Munny after the horse that was foaled March 10, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky. The company states that “the 2022 flagship rye was crafted using Pinhook's proprietary mashbill. Developed, distilled and aged over 2 years at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, KY, our latest rye was blended and proofed by Sean Josephs, our Master Blender.” The 2022 bourbon and rye releases mark the 3rd vintages of the company’s custom Castle & Key distillate.
Immediately noticeable is the impact that banana flavors have on this rye. From the nose right through the palate, banana notes are noticeable in various incarnations. The nose brings sweater scents, while the palate interlays in spice notes. Ending on a noticeable heat and spice, the whiskey does well to scratch a spicier rye itch that rye lovers tend to like. While I still would like to see what Pinhook rye’s that come from Castle & Key and are aged for four years or more would taste like, this is a fun rye for what it is. Factor in its very reasonable price, and Rye Munny is an easy buy.