Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Bourbon Barrel #5403 (Celebrations Wine & Spirits)

For this year's holiday season, I'm planning to taste a new whiskey daily throughout December. A personal challenge. Dec. 13 Someone should really make a general profile for Knob Creek single barrel store selections. I feel a bit guilty adding another to the list, but here's another one: Barrel: 5403 Store Pick: Celebrations Wine & Spirits Age: 13 years, 2 months (Ha! I see the joke.) ABV: 60% Distilled On: 6/8/04 I've sampled many Knob Creeks over time, and based on its characteristics, this one ranks second among the best I've had. It's only a year younger than a 2001 I have. Its ABV is only 1.65% less than my 25th Anniversary edition. So, it's in elite company, yet considerably more affordable. I'm looking forward to it! Nose: It's sharp, which is understandable. Beneath the initial bite, notes of honey, caramel, and lemon emerge. Palate: The honey and lemon notes disappear, but the caramel remains. Milk chocolate is also present. It's a very genuine, true chocolate taste. Not like mocha or artificial tasting flavors found elsewhere. I'd say the chocolate is the dominant flavor. It's excellent. Finish: It has a leathery and spicy character. I'd describe the spice as black pepper. The mouthfeel doesn't feel like 120 proof. If that's your preference, this whiskey delivers. I tried adding a little ice to see if any new dimensions would appear. It mostly muted the nose to just caramel, turned the palate into Yoo-hoo chocolate milk, and removed the heat and flavors on the finish. I typically prefer to drink spirits neat, and this selection proves my point. So much complexity was present just moments ago, now vanished. However, what's unique about this particular bottle is that if I wanted a quick buzz, I could pour a generous amount over ice and chug it like a drink. It truly resembles Yoo-hoo. Happy holidays. I'm not certain if I have 18 more distinct whiskeys planned, so if you're reading this and know of something easily obtainable you'd like me to try this holiday season, please share your recommendations in the comments.