Meeting #28: June '26 - Delta Dirt, Whistle Pig Declaration, and Pinhook Collab #5

The weather finally broke, opening up the patio for some fine cigars along with

tasting 3 unique whiskies. We started out with a very different whiskey, Delta

Dirt Distillery Sweet Roots Arkansas Brown, which is a highly rated whiskey

distilled in accordance with all bourbon criteria except their added ingredient is

sweet potato roots on top of the corn, rye and barley. Since bourbon must be

made with grains, Delta Dirt is a bourbon reimagined. Our second selection was

WhistlePig Declaration, a nod to America’s upcoming 250th birthday, and we

finished the night with Pinhook Collaboration #5. These 3 whiskies were all very

different, and it was fun to watch the crowd try to figure out the finish of Delta

Dirt! Looking closer at these whiskies...

1) Delta Dirt Distillery Sweet Roots Arkansas Brown

96 proof | undisclosed age | $65

Mashbill: Traditional mashbill, with the addition of sweet potatoes

HF score: 3.08

Delta Dirt Sweet Roots is a highly rated (4.9/5 stars) "bourbon-style" whiskey produced on a 4th generation Black-owned family farm in Helena, Arkansas. While they can't legally call it bourbon, the addition of sweet potatoes adds a unique tasting experience. Reviewers and enthusiasts praise the spirit for its exceptional smoothness and rich, creamy character. Sweet potatoes have been a big part of the family farm's history, dating back to the 1940s (and before), and they found a creative way to bring this history to the whiskey world.

Nose: Caramel, toasted grain, and vanilla, accompanied by an earthy

undertone of sweet roasted root vegetables (which stumped most of the group on the blind tasting)

Palate: Balanced and notably smooth, highlighting sweet notes of brown

sugar, caramel, gentle oak, and baking spices.

Finish: Warm and lingering, leaving a soft sweetness, really where the

sweet potatoes stand out.

2) Whistle Pig Declaration

86 proof | 4-7 years | $72

Mashbill: 100% wheat. Double-oaked

HF score: 2.94

Whistle Pig was founded in 2007 in Shoreham, VT. Mostly known for great

ryes, Declaration is a limited-edition high-wheat American whiskey released to

commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary, which especially appeals to

collectors. Bottled at 86 proof, double aged in New American Oak for deep color

and rich wood sugars. The expression offers a soft, mellow, and

approachable profile that is sweeter and less spicy than traditional rye whiskeys.

Its low proof and soft, dessert-like grain character make it an excellent, easy-sipping option neat, over a large ice cube, or mixed into lighter summer cocktails. Our crowd was overall hard on this whiskey with scores as low as 2, and as high as several 3.4’s. The group average came out to 2.94, with many thinking it was just too one-dimensional.

Nose: Soft and inviting, opening with honeyed pastry, fresh vanilla, and

delicate toasted grain.

Palate: Exceptionally smooth and creamy. It replaces the aggressive spice

of a traditional rye with notes of caramel apple, cinnamon bread,

butterscotch, and a light wheat sweetness.

Finish: Crisp and clean, fading softly with a pleasant touch of sweet oak and

lingering warmth.

3) Pinhook Collaboration #5

104 Proof | 6 years | $92

Mashbill: 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley. Aged 3 + 3 years, both times in new charred oak.

HF score: 3.47

High scorer of the night. Distilled in Frankfurt, KY, by Pinhook founded in 2010. For the collaboration series, Pinhook pairs up with other food/drink visionaries outside of the whiskey world, gaining a unique expert perspective of creativity and balance while blending each batch. Collaboration 5 partnered with New Orleans chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski. This series features a double-oaked whiskey, utilizing brand new charred barrels each time. This is unique (and also more expensive) for distilleries, as the second barrel is usually a repurposed finishing barrel, often from sherry, wine, or previous bourbons. By using a second new barrel, the whiskey will interact with another round of charred oak sugars. Another fantastic bottle from Pinhook!

Nose: Rich caramel and toasted oak lead, followed by dark cherry,

vanilla bean, and a hint of baking spice.

Palate: Full-bodied with waves of brown sugar, roasted nuts, dried

fruit, and a warming oak backbone.

Finish: Long and satisfying with lingering toffee, cinnamon, and oaky

charred wood.