Sean Josephs, New Orleans resident and founder/master distiller of Pinhook Bourbon, believes the differences between artist and distiller are not particularly vast. In the whiskey world, an expression refers to each distinct version of whiskey created by the same producer. Think age, distillation process, barrel type etc. So, for Sean, blending the perfect whiskey, when given the proper attention, is as worthy an artform as anything else. To celebrate these parallels, Pinhook recently launched its Artist Series No. 3 Double-Blended Bourbon. This is the third vintage in the series, each showcasing artwork by a different artist. I got to chat with Sean briefly about all things whiskey and his recent Artist Series collaboration with renowned New Orleans artist Alexa Pulitzer.
What sets Pinhook Bourbon apart? We craft distinctive bourbons and ryes each year with a vintage approach to whiskey. We prioritize careful barrel selection, small batch blending, and bottling at the proof to showcase the resulting whiskey’s character. As a former sommelier, I look at the process almost through a vintner’s lens. Each new vintage will be slightly different, as special as a unique piece of art or promising young thoroughbred.
Speaking of horses, what does Pinhook mean? Pinhooking is the practice of buying yearling horses, overseeing their breaking and training, and eventually re-selling them as race-ready animals. Much like this age-old equestrian practice, we vie to age, nurture, and mature our product as painstakingly as one would a future racing champion.
Tell us about the Alexa Pulitzer collaboration. At Pinhook, we take pride in both our modern and vintage approach to blending and bottle design. This contemporary take on tradition is also at the heart of Alexa’s work, as she uses many classic and historical images to tell a modern story. In a recent press release Alexa commented, “Sean is always thinking outside of the box and finding new ways to create a unique whiskey, which is exactly what I wanted to capture; a blender who finds the beauty of art in the science of blending.” You can pick up a bottle at Elio’s, Martin’s, The Wine Seller and Keife’s, among others and pinhookbourbon.com.
Any holiday gift recommendations for cocktail lovers? From Pinhook, our Artist Series No. 3 Double-Blended Bourbon is my top recommendation, followed closely by our Vertical Series 8 Year Bourbon. I also love the bar tools and Bitter Cube bitters sold at Keife’s. And for something special, New Orleans-based Glassblower Ben creates beautiful rock glasses.
Last but not least, what’s your go-to holiday cocktail recipe? A palate awakening Boulevardier is a great aperitif. I mix 1 to 1 to 1; Pinhook Rye, Campari, Sweet vermouth (preferably Carpano Antica). Try to prepare in advance and keep cool in the fridge. Then pour over the rocks with an orange peel skin side down and squeezed.
Meet Penn, Shop Talk Blogger
Penn larocci is a born and raised New Orleanian.
After graduating from Tulane University she lived in NYC for nine years working in sales and marketing at an investment bank. When she missed New Orleans more than she could stand, she moved back home, met her husband and started a family. She’s now raising two rambunctious little boys and spending her free time on environmental sustainability projects.
