I like putting new craft release up against the old established sought-after standbys to see how they stack up!

Today we have a bottle from Buffalo Trace that is often VERY marked up over retail prices, against a new release from Pinhook.

Fancy Glencairn learned from last time, and she is going with the Pinhook bottle today… Let’s see how she does today!

EHT) $45. 100 Proof. Mash bill #1 from Buffalo Trace (less than 10% rye). Thought to be around 5-7 years old.
-The Nose is rich and sweet with vanilla, toffee, corn, creamy chocolate, and a hint of butter.
-The Palate is light, but smooth and balanced. There are notes of sweet-corn, vanilla, chocolate, leather, and then some mild black-pepper and cinnamon spice.
-The Finish is fairly short, and starts with sweet vanilla that moves into lingering cinnamon and pepper spice.
OVERALL I’ve always enjoyed EHT Small Batch for it’s balanced, smooth flavors, but it’s never been as good as the EHT Single Barrel.

Pinhook) $39. 98 Proof. Mashbill 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley. The blend has an average age of 3.5 yrs.
-The Nose has loads of orange peel and vanilla, with hints of butterscotch and nutmeg.
-The Palate is smooth but somewhat coating, with those Orange Dreamsicle notes being joined by butterscotch, hints of coconut, almond, and cocoa.
-The Finish is medium, with the first appearance of spice. White pepper and oak make an appearance in addition to the vanilla, and as you exhale you get some sweet-corn and almond.
OVERALL I’m really enjoying the unique Orange Dreamsicle notes of this one that is joined with more complexity than last year’s release.

VERDICT) EHT Small Batch is a fine, classic option. BUT I’ve never found it super compelling, and certainly wouldn’t pay more than retail prices for it. In contrast, this Pinhook release is very unique and tasty, which is amazing considering we have SO many options these days! I can easily crown Bourbon Heist my favorite today, and I can’t wait for the High Proof version!

Now Fancy is blasting “We Will Rock you” on the HomePod…

What is your favorite craft brand these days?