Every year Pinhook releases a new bourbon and rye, each of which is connected to a promising young thoroughbred horse. The whiskey in each release is the best expression of our barrels at that moment in time, and we blend and proof each release to be as unique as the horse on the label. The result is an annual vintage of Pinhook Bourbon and Pinhook Rye that become instant collectibles. And while it is impossible to know if the horse on the bottle will go all the way to the Kentucky Derby, there is no gamble on the quality of what's inside. Pinhooking is an old Kentucky term for purchasing young thoroughbreds, holding them until they mature, and selling them when they are ready to run. Successful pinhooks – much like whiskey -- are made on instinct, experience, an appreciation of quality, and a little luck. We handcraft our bourbon and rye to reflect the richness of the Kentucky soil and the character of its beautiful horse country, where we run our operations out of the newly restored Castle & Key distillery in Millville, KY.