The 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) North America, held from June 4 to 7 in Bardstown, Kentucky, brought together some of the finest spirits in the world. When the dust settled, one whiskey stood above the rest in the rye category: Pinhook’s Vertical Series 9-Year Rye. Earning a remarkable 98 points and the prestigious Gold Outstanding award, this cask-strength rye has redefined what a $90 bottle can deliver.
A Journey from Indiana to Kentucky
Pinhook’s winning rye begins its story at Indiana’s MGP (now Ross & Squibb Distillery), a powerhouse known for its high-rye mash bills. The whiskey is crafted from a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, giving it a spicy, robust foundation. After distillation, the barrels are transported to Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, where they mature in the state’s iconic rickhouses. This combination of Indiana’s distillation expertise and Kentucky’s aging conditions creates a whiskey with both power and finesse.
The 9-year-old release, bottled at a cask strength of 111.2 proof (55.6% ABV), is part of Pinhook’s Vertical Series, an ambitious project that showcases how whiskey evolves over time. Years ago, Pinhook acquired 450 barrels of MGP rye, and each year, they blend 20 to 40 barrels to create a new release, each one a year older than the last. The 2025 release, made from just 20 barrels, is the most limited in the series to date, making it a prized find for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
What Makes It So Special?
The IWSC judges were captivated by the whiskey’s complex and harmonious flavor profile. On the nose, it offers a warm burst of rich honey and toasted macadamia nuts, with a hint of candied licorice adding depth. The palate delivers a vibrant rye character, with spicy rye notes balanced by sweet undertones and a subtle touch of gentian, a botanical note that adds intrigue. The finish is long and satisfying, with classic whiskey flavors like vanilla, caramel, oak, and a surprising pop of honey lingering on the tongue.
This balance of bold spice and sweet complexity is what sets Pinhook’s 9-Year Rye apart. At 111.2 proof, it’s a strong pour, but the flavors are so well-integrated that it drinks smoothly, whether sipped neat, with a splash of water, or in a classic rye cocktail like a Manhattan.
The Vertical Series: A Whiskey Experiment
Pinhook’s Vertical Series is more than just a whiskey—it’s a journey through time. By releasing a new batch each year, Pinhook allows drinkers to experience how aging shapes a whiskey’s character. The series began with 4-year-old rye and was originally planned to conclude at 12 years. However, thanks to cooler-than-expected aging conditions at Castle & Key, the barrels are losing less liquid to evaporation (known as the “angel’s share”) than anticipated. As a result, Pinhook now plans to extend the series to 16 years, or until the barrels run dry.
This slower aging process has given the 9-year release a refined elegance, with the oak influence complementing the rye’s natural spice without overpowering it. Each year’s release offers a new perspective, making the Vertical Series a favorite among whiskey geeks who love comparing notes across vintages.
A Bargain at $90
At a suggested retail price of $89.99, Pinhook’s 9-Year Rye is a steal in today’s whiskey market, where premium bottles often fetch hundreds of dollars. Its combination of cask strength, 9 years of aging, and award-winning quality makes it a standout value. While its limited release—blended from just 20 barrels—means it may be tough to find, those who score a bottle will be rewarded with a world-class rye that punches well above its price point.
How It Stacks Up
The IWSC North America competition was fierce, with five other rye whiskeys also scoring 95 points and earning the Spirit Gold Distinction. These included World Whiskey Society’s 12-Year Straight Rye Whiskey aged in Awamori casks, High West’s Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey, King’s Family Distillery’s Ryeconic Whiskey, Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, and Kentucky Peerless Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. Notably, two of these—World Whiskey Society and King’s Family Distillery—also feature Indiana-distilled rye, likely from MGP, highlighting the state’s growing influence in the rye whiskey world.
Yet, Pinhook’s 9-Year Rye edged out the competition with its 98-point score, proving that its careful blending and aging process create something truly exceptional.
Why Whiskey Fans Should Care
For those who love a good rye whiskey, Pinhook’s Vertical Series 9-Year Rye is a must-try. Its bold, spicy profile makes it a perfect sipper for cool evenings, while its complexity rewards those who take the time to savor it. The fact that it’s distilled in Indiana and aged in Kentucky adds a layer of intrigue, showcasing how two states with deep whiskey traditions can come together to create something extraordinary.
The whiskey’s limited availability only adds to its appeal. With just 20 barrels blended for this release, it’s a bottle that won’t sit on shelves for long. For collectors, it’s a chance to own a piece of Pinhook’s Vertical Series, a project that’s redefining how we think about aging whiskey. For casual drinkers, it’s simply a damn good rye at a price that won’t break the bank.
Where to Find It
Pinhook’s 9-Year Vertical Series Rye hit shelves in early 2025, with a suggested retail price of $89.99. Due to its small-batch nature, availability may vary, so whiskey hunters should check with local retailers or online stores like Empire Wine or Bourbon Outfitter. If you spot a bottle, don’t hesitate—it’s likely to disappear fast.
The Future of Pinhook’s Rye
As Pinhook continues its Vertical Series, the future looks bright. With plans to release rye up to 16 years old, the brand is committed to pushing the boundaries of what American whiskey can be. Each new release will offer a fresh perspective on the same group of barrels, giving fans a rare opportunity to track the evolution of a whiskey over time.
For now, the 9-Year Vertical Series Rye stands as a testament to Pinhook’s vision and craftsmanship. It’s a whiskey that delivers on every front: flavor, value, and story. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey drinker or just starting to explore rye, this bottle deserves a place in your collection.
