Knob Creek Quarter Oak

In recent years, Beam has introduced some interesting variations to the Knob Creek line. This included increasing the flagship KC's age back to 9 years, and introducing 12 and 15-year expressions (though the latter's availability is uncertain). There were also numerous single barrel, barrel-proof releases aged between 9 and 15 years. And then there's this one, which might easily be overlooked. I managed to acquire one before it sold out, so let's explore what the Quarter Oak offers. Nose: Classic Beam peanut brittle. Notes of caramel, cocoa, and brown sugar. More woody and nutty aromas. Hints of orange citrus and a floral note. A touch of tobacco smoke. Black pepper, clove, nutmeg, and significant oak. Palate: Predominantly peanut brittle/peanut butter. Caramel, cocoa, and vanilla. Toffee and a very faint banana note. Orange citrus. Wood spice, sawdust, and almond. Black pepper, clove, nutmeg, and oak. The palate strongly mirrors the nose. Finish: Orange citrus. Cocoa, tobacco, and brown sugar. Black pepper, clove, nutmeg, and oak. A lengthy finish. While it may have been overshadowed in the Knob Creek lineup, it certainly has its strengths. It holds its own among the other offerings and, despite not being exceptionally complex, it effectively captures the essence of one of my favorite whiskey ranges. Rating: 4/5. An excellent value at $44. Another strong representation of the Knob Creek line and Beam distillery overall. I'm pleased I purchased this one.

The nose presents a moderate aroma of vanilla, caramel, apple, plum, Brazil nut, grass, and newly cut oak. An odd, faint floral note lies beneath, which is unusual for a Knob Creek product. It's appealing. The palate begins with a familiar caramel and baking spice combination, along with the plum from the nose which evolves into more of a prune flavor. The mid-palate is lacking in complexity and quickly transitions to the finish. However, just as you might consider it uninteresting or subpar, a delightful medium-long finish of milk chocolate, walnut, and more of that fresh oak from the nose emerges. (A good finish is something I really appreciate, so this scored quite well with me) The mouthfeel is somewhat thinner than I'd prefer for this flavor profile, but it's a minor drawback. It's incredibly dry, reminiscent of a bleached cow's jawbone in the Arizona desert. A slight, prickly tingle on the tongue intensifies with subsequent sips, akin to the building heat from consuming chili peppers. Overall, I genuinely enjoyed it and feel it's worth the $57 I spent. Knob Creek has been releasing outstanding new expressions recently. If you're a fan of KC (which I am), hurry to get this before it disappears, along with the 12 year version. You won't be let down.

Initial aroma presents toasted wood and cherry syrup, then burnt sugar, dark molasses, and a touch of rye heat. The taste is dry yet full, beginning with abundant vanilla and toasted wood, though the cherry note from the nose doesn't quite make it. It's accompanied by caramel, smooth rye, and ample char. The ending is moderate, featuring vanilla and wood that linger before gradually subsiding, leaving a faint rye warmth.

I was intrigued to get this, and eventually spotted it at my neighborhood big-box store. It was worth the cost. I detect many comparable (though admittedly less intense) characteristics to the Booker’s Country Ham I recently acquired. I'm curious if that lot utilized the same cooperage. This is quite pleasant - initially sharp, then it softens with abundant oak and fruit. 91/100

I was taken aback by how tasty this turned out. It had a Knob Creek character, but the aroma was sweet and quite inviting. Sadly, as it opened up, the taste shifted. The sweetness became more like peanut butter (Jim Beam), which led to a lesser score. Give it a go, particularly if you're a fan of Knob Creek, though it's not essential to buy a lot of.

While I admire the concept, I'm not particularly fond of the outcome. It's excessively sweet, and as it rests and opens up, it develops into peanut flavors, becoming almost the sole characteristic by the end of a glass. I appreciate the experimentation, but it doesn't surpass the original Knob Creek.