Knob Creek 18 Year Bourbon (2023 Release)

My favorite time of year arrives again with my wedding anniversary and the start of the Christmas season, but this time with a new Knob Creek product to celebrate. Many years ago, my spouse and I selected a special single barrel of the 9-year bourbon that we savored only on our anniversary each year. As the bottle finally emptied last November, we started contemplating what would fill that void in our tradition. We visited the distillery to seek inspiration, and that's when we learned that an 18-year bourbon was replacing the previously offered 15-year version. It was an obvious choice, and even though it was purchased in January of 2024 (many months after its autumn release) and directly from the distillery, I still somehow paid $10 over the suggested price, because, you know, economics. We had this bottle engraved just as we did the previous one, but in a moment of haste, we simply engraved the date we bought it instead of another significant date. This review will represent my initial tasting of this spirit, with subsequent enjoyment reserved for our anniversary day, after the Christmas tree has been up for several days, and celebration is in the air. Let's hope this new placeholder, twice the age of the previous bottle, yet disappointingly proofed down, helps maintain the Knob Creek name's special status in our home. The age combined with the heavy barrel char truly come through in the color, presenting an interior body of old maroon, rosy berry mixed with a deep, nutty, almost chocolatey brown, although unfortunately, there's a watery outer edge due to the reduced proof. The ethanol is surprisingly potent on the nose, but I've yet to encounter a whiskey from an American distillery that captured the scent of a rickhouse so perfectly, until now. The sweet oak is abundant, but not overly sugary or heavy, with a much smaller quantity of vanilla, black cherry, lemon, and spicy, aggressive rye balancing well and paving the way for something much more developed than the younger age. The flavor starts simply with sweet oak, but not with the secondary, objectively sweet notes I typically find, such as chocolate, caramel, toffee, or others. Instead, this delivers the natural sweetness from the wood sugars exclusively, save for a hint of black cherry, but primarily focusing on the age and its development. Speaking of development, the base grains no longer possess their own distinct flavor, but their influence is still evident. For instance, the rye still imparts a lingering spice on the gums, and the corn, having had the time it desperately needed to mellow and meld with the oak, provides the rounded, full body that makes this a completely different beverage compared to grain-forward bourbons lacking sufficient age. The finish is warm but manageable, maintaining a balanced proof, and introducing a dry note alongside a return of the naturally sweet oak. I keep returning, hoping to discover deeper flavors like tobacco or leather, but I suspect the added water unfortunately eliminated those possibilities. What we have here is indeed an excellent tribute to what a good bourbon can, and should, be. Sure, I personally would prefer this at cask strength, but goodness knows how much more I'd be charged for this same product if that were the case. Additionally, there's no denying that 100 proof is essentially a perfect level for anyone who enjoys drinking whiskey neat and seeking out flavor, and although $10 per year of age is excessive at this point (especially considering most European whiskies would surpass that figure in price versus age), it still tastes objectively quite good. It will always be impossible for young, impatient distilleries to replicate this flavor profile from a product with only a few years in the barrel, but until the availability and economics of American whiskey permit these higher age statements to not only be affordable but even found on liquor store shelves, this isn't worth an exorbitant price, but it will serve as an elevated toasting whiskey for an anniversary each year, so there's that.

Aroma: Yes, it certainly has the characteristic Beam scent (which I appreciate). I'm getting deep oak, Beam nuttiness, leather, caramel, and vanilla. I'm hopeful the palate lives up to this amazing aroma. As it sits, I notice dark fruit notes. Taste: Oaky (but not excessively so), caramel, and vanilla. The Beam nuttiness isn't as prominent on the palate as it was on the nose, but it's still present and blends well into the finish. Overall: It's exceptionally good. I wish the palate had the same boldness as the aroma, but for 100 proof, it's hard to complain too much. The finish is also longer than one might expect from a 100 proof spirit. It's pleasantly oaky, and the Beam characteristics aren't overwhelming. Is it worth the cost? Likely not if you prefer higher proof whiskeys. However, if you enjoy lower proof options, then absolutely, because I find the flavor profile to be fantastic.

I wasn't sure what to anticipate. I purchased this last autumn, and due to the underwhelming evaluations, I had been reluctant to open the bottle, but I'm delighted I did. This is a wonderfully intricate and underappreciated pour. It exemplifies everything that this distillery does well, at an ideal age and proof for sipping. I require an extra bottle immediately! The aroma is reminiscent of aged, slightly musty wood, with dry cocoa powder, leather, and vanilla bean pods. The tannins provide a moderately drying sensation on the sides of the tongue in the mid-palate but do not overpower. The front notes are wood and maple, and the finish is medium-long.

Nose: cherry, oak, old peanut shell, caramel, nail polish remover, oak. Something earthy or herbaceous. Body: medium to full Palate: caramel, cinnamon spice, cherry Finish: medium to long smoky caramel and tobacco (delicious). The first sip of the night has a phenomenal finish. Note: Excellent purchase from a friend. This is a truly delicious and flavorful easy sipper. Simply outstanding.

Nose - Pear, peanuts, honey, vanilla, some floral notes and hints of herbs. Palate - Cinnamon is the first thing I taste but it's mild, then comes that typical nutty flavor but nothing too overpowering. Some light herbs and vanilla finish it off alongside some oak. Finish - The finish is a lighter continuation of the palate. For 18 years, it's much lighter than I anticipated.

Excellent! The nose is approachable, with vanilla, caramel, and a touch of banana. The palate is somewhat sweet and warming, not sharp despite the 100 proof. It's fruity and smooth. The finish has just the right amount of spice, remaining fruity and warm, though it loses some body. This is release KC 003 KY-230. I definitely need to buy another if I can find it.