Pinhook Bourbon

About Pinhook Bourbon

Pinhook Bourbon, founded in 2010 by friends Sean Josephs, Charles Fulford, and Jay Peterson, produces vintage-specific bourbon and rye whiskeys. The company's name and philosophy are derived from the Kentucky term "pinhooking," the practice of buying young thoroughbreds, nurturing them, and selling them as they mature. This is mirrored in their approach to whiskey, where each annual release is a unique expression of their barrels at that moment, rather than replicating a consistent flavor profile year after year.

The founding team combined their diverse skills: Josephs, a certified sommelier and experienced restaurateur, serves as Master Blender; Fulford handles design and branding; and Peterson contributes his business background. The concept was born from a shared passion for American whiskey and an initial purchase of 20 barrels from MGP in Indiana. The brand released its first bourbon in the fall of 2014. A significant milestone occurred in 2017 when Pinhook began distilling its own proprietary mashbills and aging, blending, and bottling its products at the restored Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, the historic former Old Taylor Distillery.

Pinhook's business model centers on releasing annual vintages of its flagship bourbon and rye, along with high-proof versions and special series like the "Vertical Series," which allows consumers to follow a specific lot of barrels as they age over nine years. Each release is dedicated to a promising young thoroughbred from Bourbon Lane Stables, with the horse's portrait on the label. The company sells its products through distributors like RNDC and Breakthru Beverage Group and is available in retailers such as Total Wine & More and Whole Foods Market across approximately half of the U.S. states. In late 2024 and early 2025, the company secured between $10.5 million and $13.1 million in funding to expand its sales and marketing efforts. Concurrently, experienced spirits executive John Scarborough was appointed CEO to guide the brand's growth, with former CEO Alice Peterson transitioning to an executive chair role.