Knob Creek Single Barrel Cask #3667
60% ABV - Kentucky, USA
Nose: Leathers, vanilla bean, and caramel – telling flavours for the age of this bourbon of nearly 14 years! There is dried fruit in the background. Wood polish reflects the high proof, but is easily masked with water.
Taste: Again, leathers,... old wood,... more carmels,... and there is some cherry or other dark fruit floating about. Resinous. My notes from a tasting earlier this year, February 2018, suggest the fruit flavours had been more prominent.
Finish: This one winds down fairly quickly. There is a progression of spices to sweetness to a lasting dryness or tannic oak with vanilla and jam.
Single barrels are a real treat because you can get some wild flavours that are simply undetectable in a core range expression, and this bottle of Knob Creek is no exception, as I place it a giant leap above the others. I have nearly emptied it and the evolution of flavours over time has beenmost enjoyable.
Details: Bottled for BC Liquor Stores, 2004/11/30 - 2016/08/02, Warehouse G 7th Floor.
Tasted August 15 2018.
85/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
