Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon (NAS)

KNOB CREEK SHOWDOWN Knob Creek NAS Small Batch Bourbon Knob Creek 9-Year Single Barrel Reserve Knob Creek 12-Year Small Batch Continuing to explore whiskies in my collection that I haven't reviewed yet. I've previously reviewed the 12-Year, but since I hadn't yet reviewed the NAS Small Batch and the 9-Year Single Barrel, I decided to taste the three side-by-side. Knob Creek might be comparable to the old Chevy Nova, which was disliked by Hispanic customers because 'no va' translates to 'no go' in Spanish. A few years ago, I was at a bar in Manhattan with a colleague from England, and Knob Creek seemed like a safe choice, so I ordered it. Upon hearing this, he remarked, 'I would never order Knob Creek, mate.' While Knob Creek bourbon is named after the Knob Creek Farm in Kentucky, the word 'Knob' has a different meaning in the UK. I have no insight into how this Jim Beam brand performs in UK sales. Knob Creek NAS Small Batch Bourbon Color is a clear, bourbon-like caramel hue, Pantone 138. The aroma offers sweet caramel, a touch of orange, and a substantial amount of oak and vanilla. The palate Knob Creek NAS Small Batch can be found for approximately $40. The 100-proof is not diluted to the minimum 80 proof, which is a positive. However, the $40 price point is high compared to the market. I recently published a 'BUDGET BOTTLED IN BOND BOURBON SHOWDOWN' review (September 24, 2023), and each of those three 100-proof, NAS bourbons (Evan Williams BiB, Old Tub, and Wild Turkey 101) are available for nearly half the cost. The Knob Creek NAS doesn't stand out enough from those to justify a price nearly double. It has no significant flaws; however, it's not ideal for sipping, and while higher proof is good for cocktails, you can find much cheaper 100-proof bourbons that will perform just as well. Would I purchase it again? No. 3.0 out of 5 stars. 100 proof. No Age Statement. Knob Creek 9-Year Single Barrel Reserve The color is virtually identical to the Knob Creek NAS, Pantone 138. The aroma is complex, and as expected, surpasses the NAS, with notes of chocolate-covered cherries, dried orange, Honey-Nut Cheerios, charred oak, vanilla, and noticeable but well-integrated alcohol, followed by a hint of cooling mint. The mouthfeel has a very light creaminess and coats the tongue, and the palate reveals dark caramelized sugar and bittersweet chocolate, transitioning to a slight woody tannic bitterness, from the charred wood and vanilla on the finish. The 9-Year Single Barrel is a considerable improvement over the NAS small batch, as one would anticipate. There's a lot happening here, and it's good, but not quite excellent. This would certainly be enjoyable for sipping, and it offers good value in the current market with a retail price around $57. Would I purchase it again? Yes. 4.0 out of 5 stars. 120 proof. 9-Year age statement. Knob Creek 12-Year Small Batch Even with the older age statement, the 12-Year has the same Pantone 138 hue as the NAS Small Batch and 9-Year. The aroma is subdued; I'm not detecting as many notes as I did when I reviewed it over a year ago. There's a touch of toffee, nutmeg, and some cooling spearmint. The palate is a significant upgrade, with sweet banana bread, generous amounts of toasted oak and vanilla, and finally, the presence of the 100 proof is noticeable. Toasted oak and vanilla continue on the medium-length finish, which then exhibits some espresso-like bitterness, likely due to woody tannins from the extended barrel aging. I reviewed the Knob Creek 12-Year on its own back on June 22, 2022. I was somewhat disappointed then, as the 12-year age statement is rare in today's market at a 'reasonable price,' and I rated it at 3.25 out of 5 stars. This tasting is slightly better than my previous assessment. The aromas today were not the same for me as they were a year ago; perhaps this is because this tasting followed the 9-year, which is deeper, richer, and more complex. I prefer the 9-year to the 12-year, which can be found for around $65. Would I purchase it again? Yes. But with a condition: due to the age statement, the flavor profile might vary annually, and the 12-year age statement is enough to take a chance. 3.5 out of 5 stars. 100 proof. 12-year age statement. Note. All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

I often pass over Knob Creek when purchasing bourbon. It's not that I dislike it, but it's priced slightly higher than some other budget-friendly options, so I usually don't opt for it. Perhaps I should reconsider. The aroma is dominated by oak and vanilla, leading directly into the initial taste. I also notice a good deal of sweetness and notes of burnt orange peel. The finish carries some warmth and has a rye-like character. There's nothing negative to say about Knob Creek, but nothing particularly stands out either. If it were about $5-10 less expensive, I'd likely always keep it stocked. Regardless, it's decent and I can understand why some might make it their regular drink.

Type: Straight bourbon Distillery: Jim Beam ABV: 50% (100 proof) Mashbill: 77% corn, 13 % rye, 10% malted barley. Age: NAS (Non age statement) Nose, palate and finish are all very typical. Familiar notes like vanilla, brown sugar, caramel, toasted oak, etc. It's not bad or overpowering. It's quite similar to Wild Turkey 101, even though the mash bills are nearly identical. Compared to Knob Creek, this one feels less balanced and a bit more sharp. It's a decent bourbon, just not a personal favorite.

Considering the price, it offers very little to criticize. However, it also doesn't offer anything remarkable. I appreciate the decision to set their initial bourbon at 100 proof because it didn't drink like it. Is it particularly memorable? Not entirely, and I know many people are huge fans of Knob Creek, so I apologize for not being completely enamored with this bottle, but I will continue to explore their other products. I might consider purchasing this to share with friends.

I detect a prominent butter aroma on the nose, but the initial taste is quite fiery with spice and pepper. After the heat fades following the first few sips, it becomes quite rich, with flavors of corn and leather. I find it to be one of the more intricate flavor combinations available! A very solid bourbon.

This is adequate for my highball, but I'm not a fan for neat pours. My palate for Bourbon/Whiskey is still quite undeveloped, with over 50 recorded tastings, but fewer than 100 as of 2022. (That doesn't include all consumed, just all appreciated outside of shots and mixers)