Every first Saturday in May, the world’s eyes turn to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby is more than just a two-minute horse race—it's a vibrant celebration of Southern heritage, high fashion, spirited pageantry, and perhaps most iconic of all, bourbon. At the heart of this American tradition is a deeply rooted whiskey culture that goes far beyond the famous Mint Julep. Among the new generation of Kentucky bourbons proudly carrying this torch is Pinhook, a brand as committed to excellence in the bottle as the Derby is to excellence on the track.
Whether you're a seasoned whiskey drinker or simply looking to sip something special while placing your Derby Day bets, the legacy of bourbon and the Kentucky Derby is one worth exploring—and savoring.
A Toast to Tradition: Bourbon and the Derby
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just any horse race—it’s a national institution. And like all great traditions, it’s steeped in rituals that make it memorable. Chief among them is the Mint Julep, the signature cocktail of the Derby since 1938. Made with bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice, the drink is served in a silver or pewter cup and consumed with flourish as spectators watch the thoroughbreds thunder past.
Yet, the Derby’s relationship with bourbon runs far deeper than this one refreshing cocktail. Kentucky, after all, is the birthplace of bourbon, home to over 95% of the world’s supply. The limestone-rich water, fertile bluegrass pastures, and generations of distilling craftsmanship make it the undisputed epicenter of America’s native spirit.
To understand the Kentucky Derby is to understand bourbon culture—and that’s where Pinhook Bourbon rides in.
Enter Pinhook: A Bourbon That Embodies the Derby Spirit
If ever a whiskey captured the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, it’s Pinhook. Founded in 2010, Pinhook is a modern bourbon brand with roots firmly planted in Kentucky’s racing and distilling heritage. The name "pinhooking" refers to the practice of buying young thoroughbreds, nurturing them, and then selling them as race-ready horses—a fitting metaphor for the aging and blending process of great bourbon.
Each annual release of Pinhook is tied to a real thoroughbred horse, whose profile appears on the label. Much like the horses themselves, each bottling of Pinhook has its own distinct personality, story, and flavor profile. This unique branding concept honors both the unpredictability and beauty of whiskey-making and horse-racing alike.
This isn’t just marketing—Pinhook is made at Castle & Key, a historic Kentucky distillery where the brand’s blending team meticulously tastes and selects barrels to create expressions that are consistent, complex, and full of life. Each vintage reflects the terroir, climate, and artistry of its creation year.
In short, Pinhook isn’t just bourbon—it’s bourbon with a storyline, one that echoes the narratives told at Churchill Downs.
The Craft of the Julep: A New Spin with Pinhook
Sure, the Mint Julep is the traditional Derby drink, but with a high-quality bourbon like Pinhook, it’s time to elevate the ritual. Try this modern Pinhook Julep that brings balance, depth, and a refined twist to an old favorite.
Pinhook Julep Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 oz Pinhook Kentucky Straight Bourbon
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1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
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6-8 fresh mint leaves
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Crushed ice
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Mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
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Lightly muddle mint leaves with simple syrup in a chilled julep cup or rocks glass.
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Add bourbon and pack the cup with crushed ice.
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Stir until the outside of the cup is frosty.
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Top with more ice, garnish with a mint sprig, and serve with a straw.
The result? A refreshing, minty cocktail that still lets Pinhook’s caramel, spice, and vanilla notes shine through.
Pairing the Derby with the Right Pinhook Bottle
What makes Pinhook even more exciting is the annual vintage approach. Unlike mass-produced bourbons that aim for consistent taste year after year, Pinhook leans into the beauty of variation. Each release is a snapshot in time, and this year’s offerings include:
🏇 Pinhook High Proof Bourbon (Hard Rye Guy)
With bold notes of cinnamon, orange peel, and toasted oak, this is a great choice for experienced bourbon lovers looking to sip something neat while watching the race.
🥃 Pinhook Flagship Bourbon
Smooth, approachable, and balanced, this bottle is perfect for cocktails or as an introduction to Kentucky straight bourbon.
🐎 Pinhook Vertical Series (Bourbon War)
A rare series that tracks a single batch of barrels as they age over the years. It’s the bourbon equivalent of watching a young foal mature into a champion racehorse.
No matter your preference, Pinhook has an expression that pairs perfectly with your Derby Day party, barbecue, or solo toast to tradition.
Host a Derby Watch Party with a Bourbon Twist
The Kentucky Derby is more fun when shared with friends—and with bourbon. Hosting a watch party? Bring the spirit of Churchill Downs into your home with these tips:
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Create a DIY Julep Bar: Offer fresh mint, syrups, and several expressions of bourbon for guests to mix their perfect drink.
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Derby Hats & Bowties: Encourage guests to dress the part and celebrate the classic fashion of Derby Day.
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Bourbon Tasting Station: Include a flight featuring several vintages of Pinhook with tasting cards and flavor notes.
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Live Betting Fun: Print out horse profiles and let guests place friendly wagers for small prizes.
Pinhook bottles, with their vibrant horse-themed labels and collectible appeal, make for the perfect conversation piece and party centerpiece.
Bourbon and the Bluegrass Legacy
The story of Kentucky bourbon isn’t just one of barrels and blends—it’s a story of land, people, horses, and heritage. The Kentucky Derby encapsulates this story in a single thrilling weekend every year, and brands like Pinhook keep that story alive year-round.
By choosing Pinhook for your Derby Day toast, you’re doing more than drinking a fine whiskey—you’re honoring a rich Kentucky tradition, supporting craft distillers, and participating in a cultural celebration that stretches back generations.
So, this Derby season, raise your glass not just to the winning horse—but to the spirit of Kentucky itself.
Cheers to bourbon, to tradition, and to the race that stops the nation.
