When we set out to become bourbon makers, we could have chosen to act like a mainstay Kentucky whiskey. To obey the long-standing rule book. And to repeat the same formula, year after year after year.

We decided against it.

Instead we took after thoroughbred racehorses. In a practice known as pinhooking, a young horse’s unconventional attributes are embraced—rather than molded into ideal shape. To pinhook is to see originality not as an obstacle, but as potential.

Just as no two races play out identically, each Pinhook vintage is a singular event. A totally unique outcome of character and circumstance.

When the traditionalists shake their heads in disapproval, we pay them no mind. We’re already onto the next lap.