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– Mash Bill: unpublished; at least 51% rye (internet consensus totals: Rye=55%; Corn=35%; Malted barley=10%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– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished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
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