Pinhook announced the release of Pinhook’s Collaboration Series #2, a limited edition bourbon in which only 3,500 bottles were made.  

After a successful first collaboration between Pinhook and André Hueston Mack, the founder and award-winning winemaker of Maison Noir Wines, the team decided a second edition of the series was warranted.

“The Collaboration Series is one of my favorite projects to work on,” Sean Josephs, Pinhook’s Master Blender, said in a news release. “It allows me to work with my friends from my years of hospitality; to learn how they see bourbon and distilling; to grow my skill set, bringing back some new techniques to Pinhook’s other lines; to make some unique-tasting liquid; and, of course, have a little bit of fun. It is important for us to stay curious, and that is one of the pillars our brand is built on. This is a great way to invite curiosity.”  

For Pinhook’s Collaboration Series, the brand invites representatives of other brands to team up with Josephs in sourcing barrels of whiskey and crafting the blend and proof that best brings out their finest characteristics. For Collaboration Series #2, Josephs teamed up with Garrett Oliver, brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewing and a 2014 James Beard Award Winner. Oliver, with his 30 years of brewing expertise, brings an intriguing sensory perspective to Pinhook’s approach. 

Distilled at Still Austin, located in Austin, TX, this high-proof, high-rye bourbon was aged for four years in the Texas heat. This results in a whiskey with maturity that far exceeds its years in the barrel.

Proceeds from the sale of Collaboration Series #2 supports The Michael J. Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling (The MJF), which awards scholarships in brewing and distilling education to people of color in the United States, and of which Oliver is the founder and chair. The total donation will allow for the award of 20 scholarships, which will double the amount of what has been previously awarded.   

“The MJF has now awarded more than 20 technical education scholarships for distilling and brewing,” said Oliver, who is also founder and chair of The MJF. “This donation will mean that 20 more lives will be changed through the generosity of our partners like Pinhook. But more than just generosity, it’s a shared belief that we need a more equitable and diverse future. Big thanks to Pinhook for partnering with The MJF on this special collaboration so that our work to change the face of brewing and distilling is sustainable into the future.” 

Pinhook’s Collaboration Series #2 retails for $99.99. It will be available on Breeze, Pinhook’s text-to-buy service; on Flaviar; and at limited specialty stores nationwide.