Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Bourbon W-I F-04 R-05 (Longhorn Steakhouse)

Note: This is for Knob Creek Single Barrel 16 year / Picked by Bourbon Steak Another week of quarantine allows me to work through samples. This particular pour comes from a friend. Damp, dreary, and cold calls for something with some substance, and this one fits the bill. 60% alcohol by volume should be able to warm the soul and provide a moment of respite from the covid bedlam. A rich current of corn meal, cloves, and caramel initially greets you. As it settles down, the caramel sweetness intensifies slightly. Cinnamon, maraschino cherries, vanilla, wood spice with a bit of pecan and almond nuttiness become the steady aromas. A lightweight arrival that isn't instantly hot, but the heat does build. The undiluted liquid, being hot, makes it difficult to discern any flavors. What can be detected is sparse. Vanilla cream, nutmeg, orange creamsicle. The finish is oaky and dry with a bit of Angostura bitters and grenadine. With two teaspoons of water, the vanilla cream aroma becomes more prominent, but overall, (The Song) remains the same. A hearty dram that packs a punch. The age of the dram does not overpower it with wood, despite being 16 years old. However, the flavors don't stand out and are rather bland. There is some flavor, but you have to work for it. A steady pour that is decent, but I wanted more. Thanks to a friend for sharing this rare (for me) bourbon. [84/100][Tasted: 4/17/20]

Spicy throughout. Decent, but not exceptional. Still, not bad for a $9 serving.

Very smooth with minimal bite. It has a honey-like sweetness.

W-N, F-05, R-023 14.3 years