Knob Creek Small Batch
50% ABV - Kentucky, USA
Nose: There is an immediate hit of lemon oil and vanilla, with noticeable honey sweetness. There are some bread or cereal notes floating and light spices.
Taste: Citrus and oak ride the peppered heat wave – bottled at 100 proof – but it does tame down with addition of water. Cinnamon and other spices with old leather and barbecue smoke round out the palate.
Finish: Again, citrus – it is a dominant flavour throughout this bourbon, vanilla, black peppered, tannic oak dryness, and some light floral notes.
This expression coming out of Jim Beam under the Knob Creek labelling used to be my golden standard when I brought a bottle camping or in a flask for a hike (these days I’m putting in Laphroaig or another peated offering). It’s a good, dependable, budget bourbon. Though where bourbon is concerned I have an evolving taste, as I continue to explore different offerings, and I’ll likely save my pennies for the Knob Creek Single Barrel releases
Tasted 11 April 2018.
75/100
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.
