Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve (Total Wine & More)

This 120 proof Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon, released in 2019, is from the Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon line by Jim Beam Distillery in Kentucky. It was aged for 14 years (2005-2019) and bottled at 60% ABV. It starts with a rich profile of caramel, spices, oak, and vanilla. The bold and spicy mid-palate reveals notes of Toffee Nut Brittle, cherry cola, pepper, and creme brulee, leading to a long and warming finish with hints of dried fruit chutney and anise. Tasted December 2019 / January 2020 / July 2022.

The 2019 Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon Barrel Select presents a robust character, a Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Jim Beam Distillery in Kentucky, aged nine years and bottled at 120 proof. Its initial experience offers strong flavors of maple, vanilla, oak, and a touch of smokiness. The middle phase evolves with complex tastes of toasted nuts, cherry soda, spice, and browned butter. The finish is extended and harmonious, featuring notes of caramelized custard, nutty toffee, and a sweet, dried fruit relish. May 2019

Some heat, fruit, and petroleum. Just joking about the petroleum. I've had this bottle a while, and it was about half empty. I don't remember it being this harsh when I drank it before. It looks like the image, and there's no indication of a specific retailer, but that's what we have locally compared to others I see online. Likely the same product distributed to different areas. It stings the nose and the throat. Not impressed right now.

This came from a Kroger selection. It smells of peanuts and alcohol. The taste brings more peanuts, leather, and oak. Heat arrives swiftly, providing that familiar Kentucky embrace, then finishes with additional peanuts. It burns, but then calms down. The flavor persists for a while. A respectable bourbon with a satisfying warmth.

On the nose: orange, brown sugar, baking spices, vanilla, char, mint, and leather. Fantastic. On the palate: smoky oak, vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup. It's spicy and quite potent due to the proof, but a cube helps tame it. Outstanding.

This is an excellent rye! It combines honey and caramel with the characteristic rye spice. There was a slight burn on the lips and throat initially, but it subsided with further drinking. A great choice for sipping neat!