Knob Creek Archives – Whiskey for the Ages

Knob Creek 12 Year Review

Posted on 30-August-202128-June-2022 by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Knob Creek 12 Year Review

Original review written August 24, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

12 Year is an easy sipper through and through. It’s warm, with unique sweet tones and pleasant earthy-woodiness to complement. Spice is sprinkled throughout the pour, and makes for a very decent dram. 87/100

VITALS:

– Made In: Clermont, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Jim Beam Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
– Age: 12 yrs.
– Mash Bill: Corn=75%; Rye=13%, Malted Barley=12%
– Casks: Char #4
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– Vintage Year: 2009
– ABV: 50% (100 proof)
– Price: $59.95 USD in Idaho

Visit knobcreek.com for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the glass neat from a Glencairn with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

I imagine enjoying Knob Creek 12 Yr at a bakery with the bourbon in one hand and a croissant in the other. There may be a million different aromas surrounding you, but the warmth of the bourbon permeates it all, and the taste pairs with any pastry you could possibly want.

Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash

NOSE:

This nose presents as spicy, but in a baking spice sense. Immediately, I find allspice with heavy nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger. The cinnamon is reminiscent of red hot candies with a peppery sprinkle, but it still fits well with these natural baking spices too. The corn grain is also here, but it almost seems more like the corn husks after they’ve been dried out a bit (note: not completely dried out). There is a vanilla custard, soft oak, and toffee element also that blend quite well together, with none of the flavors seeming overbearing. If I really look, I can detect a dark berry, but it is hard to place exactly which one it is – it may even be dried, like a cranberry or maybe a lightly seasoned raisin.

Alcohol is definitely here on the nose, and can sting on deep inhales if you aren’t careful. Considering this is only 100 proof, I’m quite surprised at this feature, but all the same, very intrigued. Overall, this smells amazing, and I can’t wait to dig in.

PALATE:

– Mouth Feel: This is very smooth and oily, while still being light and easy to sip.
– Balance: Very well-blended. There is a bit of everything in this pour, but none of it overrides the other flavors to nonexistence while still allowing the woody-earthiness to be the hero.
– Visual: Auburn in color, this drops in sheets before quickly giving way to many long legs while leaving behind a distinct crown.

– Taste: Wood comes across the palate first, but it’s peppery in nature. It’s almost less like oak, and perhaps more like grilling hickory briquettes (maybe even cherry too?). Corn comes in the next wave, roasted but still dusty. With it comes leather and some of the other spices from the nose, though these have become much more subtle. Sweetness still remains, but it is less aggressive with its vanillas and toffees. Instead, it is almost pastry-like, flaky and buttery while being slightly dry – in a good way. In it is a seedy, chunky, but delicious fruit spread, like a peach or a similar stone fruit. There could be some toasted almonds thrown in for a mild sweetness also that just complements everything nicely.

The alcohol is incredibly mild in this pour. I can taste it with a bit of warmth, but otherwise, it is inoffensive and a very easy dram to sip. When I partake in a Kentucky chew, I find green grapes, oak, and some unsweetened syrup to accompany the fruit component. The heat kicks up, obviously, but it falls back quick enough.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Short-Medium. I get a tickle of lingering warmth and a hint of flavors but none of it strong.
– Between Sips: The aforementioned almonds appear between sips, along with roasted corn and the slightest hint of cherry, but it is very faint.

– No More: The empty Glencairn is straight up oak and barrel char, almost to the point of sweetness. It’s warm and rich and everything I could hope for at the end of a good glass.

WORTH THE PRICE?

For $60, I will admit, I have had whiskeys I enjoy more, but I do not think this is a bad value at all. It’s warm, it’s woody, it’s fruity, it’s spicy… it ticks all the boxes for me. And I would definitely pour myself another glass. I enjoy it a lot, and if you have the opportunity to try, and want a really well-blended bourbon with no aggressiveness, this is it.

KNOB CREEK 12 YEAR REVIEW RATING: 87/100

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Knob Creek SiB ID Select Bourbon 2 Review

Posted on 14-June-202128-June-2022 by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Knob Creek SiB ID Select Bourbon 2 Review

Original review written June 8, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

If you like wood, earth, and spice, this bourbon would be right up your alley. Strong in alcohol boldness ad with a really great blend, this 2nd store pick provides originality in spades. 88/100

VITALS:

Knob Creek SiB ID Select Bourbon 2 Review

– Made In: Clermont, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Jim Beam Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Private Select; Single Barrel
– Age: 15 yrs.
– Vintage Year: March 25, 2004
– Mash Bill: Corn=75%; Rye=13%; Malted Barley=12%
– Casks: Char #4
– Cask Number: 7997c
– Warehouse X, Floor 4, Rack 28, Tier 2
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– ABV: 60% (120 proof)
– Price: $59.95 USD in Idaho

Visit knobcreek.com/single-barrel for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review of this bourbon here!

SETTING:

I imagine drinking this one on a blustery coast, perhaps perched on the edge of a cliff. The smell of seawater and confused winds attack the senses while this bourbon keeps you warm and grounded in its woody and earthiness. (I realize there are no coasts in Idaho for this Idaho Private Select, but go with me here.) The world is fresh and alive, and this bourbon is both familiar yet exciting in this landscape.

Photo by Maddie Leopardo on Unsplash

NOSE:

This smells very much like a strong, yet sweet wine on the first shallow pass, but deeper draws coax out raspberries, raisins, black pepper and ginger. It’s amazing I got a wine essence at all, quite honestly. There’s a deep leather, dark brown sugar, and perhaps a bit of cinnamon. These are certainly very strong flavors, but the corn evens it out just enough to make everything come off as predominantly rich and sweet. I find a bit of syrupy sweetness also, but I can’t quite say whether it is caramel or maybe maple. There may even be some milk chocolate chips too.

The alcohol is quite strong on this one certainly, aided and fueled by the black pepper. However, I wouldn’t say that it is hot enough to burn. It stings at just about the level I’d expect a bourbon of 120 proof to sting.

PALATE:

– Mouth Feel: Raspy and very textured. I think it’s the most entertaining aspect of this bourbon.
– Balance: REALLY blended. Every flavor melds together perfectly, and certainly makes for a very uniform taste and profile.
– Visual: Flame in color, there is no crown and there are very few, thin, fasting-dropping legs.

– Taste: A gritty oak crosses the palate first, with a bit of the black pepper and ginger from the nose and certainly a lot of unexpected earth. For fruit, I get a dark stone fruit, like prunes or plum. I think the raisin from the nose is still here also, but the berries seem to have vanished. There is a bitterness to found here, maybe in the form of hazelnuts or very aged leather. The corn is here in almost a grilled sense and may be contributing to the bitterness while still being simultaneously fresh. There could even be a dried grass/straw here too.

The alcohol pops on every sip, but not in a way that makes you too scared of it. It is most definitely hot and it influences the mouth feel a lot, but it is a far cry from the hottest bourbon I’ve ever had. I can let it sit on my tongue for a good while, allowing the hazelnuts, oak and earth to come forward even more. When I partake in a Kentucky chew, the heat grows exponentially and excites the black pepper and ginger. Other than that, it stays true and tastes much like a burning version of itself.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Long. I’d say the heat is what lingers the most after the sip is gone with some spicy flavors.
– Between Sips: The black pepper is prominent here between sips, along with the ginger. There is also an herbal flavor that I can’t quite put my finger on, but it is certainly savory.

– No More: This stays consistent the further into the glass I get, but the woodiness only becomes more apparent. I will say I was hoping for some fruit to pop in more strongly, but the warmth, corn, and spice carry this bourbon straight to the happy finish line regardless.

The empty Glencairn is oak and sawdust and all things rich and warm with a hint of spice.

WORTH THE PRICE?

For $60, and something that is 120 proof, I’d be hard-pressed to say it’s not worth the expense. While it may not be the traditional profile that I go for, if I am in a woody, spicy, bitter mood, this could easily be a go-to, and I’d be happy. Knob Creek single barrels are often good, and this one is no exception.

As this particular bottling likely isn’t found on the shelves anymore, however, it’d be difficult to promote this to the fullest. Despite this, I will say that if your state has offerings of Single Barrel Knob Creeks you certainly should give them a try! Store picks are great ways to get to know your state liquor handlers, as it were. Furthermore, they are opportunities to really get to know the personal tastes and unique varieties that can come from distilleries!

KNOB CREEK SIB ID SELECT BOURBON 2 REVIEW RATING: 88/100

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To access other whiskies from this brand, click Knob Creek.

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Knob Creek Straight Rye Review

Posted on 06-March-202128-June-2022 by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Knob Creek Straight Rye Review

Original review written on March 2, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This is incredibly light and fresh, dry fruit notes being apparent with warm, earthy tones. These provide the whiskey a well-textured balance, keeping me going back for the next sip. 91/100

VITALS:

– Made In: Clermont, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Jim Beam Distillery
– Classification: Straight Rye Whiskey; Small Batch
– Age: nas
– Mash Bill: unpublished; at least 51% rye (internet consensus totals: Rye=55%; Corn=35%; Malted barley=10%
– Casks: Char #4
– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished
– ABV: 50% (100 proof)
– Price: $29.95 USD in Idaho

Visit knobcreek.com for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this rye here!

SETTING:

Drink Knob Creek Rye outside (maybe even in the morning) on the deck or porch with the sun coming up and a newspaper in hand, taking in the new day. The lightness in the pour and sunshine moving across you feels refreshing, and the world smells as youthful and bright as the whiskey.

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

NOSE:

Light wood and sweetness greet the nose on the first draw, being oaky and a bit like toffee. There is a nuttiness that I suppose is a little like macadamia, but it is hard to perfectly identify. I find a light earth component as well, perhaps like dewy grass or just warm soil. The alcohol is incredibly subtle here and not at all intimidating, but you still notice it just a little bit. I can get a some of ginger on deep inhales, but other than that, there really is not much spice to speak of. Overall, it smells inviting and a bit like a nut brittle candy.

PALATE:

– Mouth Feel: There is an effervescence that reminds me of a riesling wine – dry, but with a tickle all the same.
– Balance: Everything blends really well, with every flavor being quite cohesive and fresh.
– Visual: Chestnut, Oloroso sherry in color, this has fast-dropping, but thick legs that descend from an uneven, but equally thick, crown.

– Taste: This tastes immediately fresh and vibrant. The nut is still there, but it isn’t overbearing and just sits with a pleasant, earthy warmth, with a bit of grass. Light fruit is here also, perhaps like a pear that is just the right level of ripeness. The oak is equally light with a sweet glaze of spice. This almost tastes white-wine-esque, with a pop of green grape, pear and a buttery-ness in body, but still maintaining a certain effervescence. The rye spice is here also, but it lifts the whole body and makes all of the aforementioned flavors explode that much more, I think.

A Kentucky Chew elevates the rye and makes it feel bigger, as well providing extra earth. It also makes the whiskey as a whole have a certain dryness to it, that again, harkens to the wine notes. The alcohol remains mild all throughout without stinging much at all. This rye, for being the first rye Whiskey for the Ages has reviewed, has certainly impressed me.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Medium. No warmth here, but the flavor does linger for a while. No complaints from me.
– Between Sips: I get the grapes and pear the most between sips, and I must say, it leaves me feeling very pleased.

– No More: This is so pleasantly consistent throughout the glass, I really am just impressed with the quality of this. The freshness seems just as fresh and bright as it did on the first sip.

The empty Glencairn has a sudden kick of rye spice that I wasn’t expecting, but it is still so sharp that it matches with the vibrancy of this rye. I must say, I’ve been in love with this pour start to finish, and I look forward already to my next.

WORTH THE PRICE?

At $30, this is almost what I would consider a steal, and you can certainly bet that this is something I will promote to having always on hand. Highly recommend giving it a try, even if you aren’t familiar with ryes.

RATING: 91/100

Click to see Hannah’s rating process

Click 91/100 to access other whiskies with this rating.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Knob Creek.

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