Blaum Bros. OldFangled Knotter Bourbon 12 Year

Taste: 2 oz. neat in a glen cairn. 105.7 proof, 12 yr 2019 Fall release Nose (4.7) Smells of caramel corn, bit-o-honey, and peanut brittle. I could smell this for ages. Palate: (4.75) A true caramel explosion with pecans and a touch of spice. Reminds me of Fanny May Turtles with alcohol and just a hint of pepper. It has a nice, coating mouthfeel. This is what a great bourbon ought to be. Finish (4.75): The slightest burn. It doesn't feel like a higher proof at all in that regard. Continues with some honey and a hint of what is almost raspberry fruit. My only regret is that it couldn't have lasted longer. I can't blame the bourbon; it's just me not wanting it to end. Overall: I was really questioning the buzz. After all, this is sourced distillate and the distiller openly admits it's "not our bourbon." But it is an incredibly well-aged, 12-year-old MGP cask bourbon that hits all the right notes. It delivers everything you want in a classic bourbon: bold caramels and vanilla, some fruit, spice, oak, and pecan nuttiness. Is it worth the hype? I'm glad it's in my collection.

117.2 proof Smells like caramel corn, butterscotch, rye spices, cocoa powder, and cherry. On the tongue, initially rye spices, then leather, caramel corn, powdered sugar, and cherries. Finishes medium and spicy with rye spices, powdered sugar, and oak. When first poured, I wasn't impressed. However, after letting it breathe, this became a solid whiskey. I particularly enjoy the caramel corn and butterscotch on the nose; those are the main scents. The palate starts with a rush of rye spice, the caramel corn reappears, and some powdered sugar emerges near the end. I would anticipate a longer finish from a bourbon this strong, but it's still tasty, with oak, rye spices, and powdered sugar rounding it out. At $400, I'm definitely passing on this. I'd have a glass at a bar if the price was right, but I wouldn't buy a bottle.

Drank it neat. A rush of honey, corn, and baking spices immediately. The aroma is deep, rich, and mostly dark. Some vanilla and raspberries appear. Butterscotch. It has a pleasant, oily texture on the tongue. Vanilla and raspberries are upfront, with a hint of honey in the sweetness, but it quickly shifts to dark, tannic notes. Those raspberries return with another wave of vanilla, transitioning back to those dark flavors. An oak and chocolate finish. It's a classic MGP profile with a few unexpected elements like those raspberries.

This 12-year-old spirit is delicious. My bottle is 117 proof, and I'm aware they now offer a 105 proof version, so future reviews might differ. It's an intense butterscotch experience; it begins spicy and hot, but in a way similar to a high-quality bottling where the heat enhances complexity and flavor, making it a welcome addition. The profile features prominent vanilla and butter notes, along with caramel. It's the finest bourbon I've ever tasted.

For me, this starts with a sweet, almost floral aroma. The taste seems a bit weak initially but quickly settles to provide adequate warmth with a blend of fruit, wood, and a touch of spice, perhaps a hint of clove. Overall, it's a good bourbon if you can acquire it at a reasonable price. Cheers 🥃

This is genuinely quite enjoyable. I'm pleased I sampled it. Oak, baking spices, brown sugar, and a touch of light vanilla. The alcohol content was noticeable but not harsh. It has a medium to long finish.