Knob Creek Twice Barreled Rye

The aroma is potent and intricate, showcasing distinct scents; salted caramel, the earthy smell of peanut shells found in casual dining spots where shells litter the ground, freshly worked timber reminiscent of woodworking classes, verdant cut grass, and a whisper of sweetened citrus peel. Alcohol presence is felt but as a gentle, unobtrusive sting. It's not the expected profile for a rye (a hint of what's to come). The taste is...unconventional. Notes of vanilla, nutty pecan, warm nutmeg, subtle cherry, bright citrus peel, and a satisfying, profound smoky char. The secondary barrel influence is quite beneficial. A subtle undercurrent of licorice and mint is the sole indicator that this is indeed a rye; I'd be stumped if tasted blind. The flavors possess richness, intricacy, and substance. The finish is on the shorter end of medium, presenting aged leather, tobacco, woody oak, and spice. A pleasing conclusion, no doubt. The texture is smooth and rich, complementing the taste and lingering notes perfectly. This one presents a challenge for scoring. As a rye? Its departure from tradition is so significant that it warrants a deduction. As a general whiskey? It's distinctive and palatable enough, with many pleasing elements, to regain that point. I found it genuinely enjoyable. Considering the somewhat excessive $75 I spent (it's scarce locally), it doesn't compel an immediate repurchase, yet I could envision acquiring it again in the future. Perhaps at a lower cost. If found around $60, it would represent excellent value. I'd score it 3.9 if possible, but will round up to 4.0.

This was chosen due to an appreciation for the two consistent Knob Creek rye bottlings. Honestly, all Knob Creek expressions encountered have been enjoyable, so the decision felt safe. Smell: Notes of toasted almond, cashew, and hazelnut. Vanilla and caramel. Hints of dried apricot and golden raisin. Bready, yeasty characteristics. A spice blend of black pepper, rye, clove, nutmeg, and oak. Taste: The initial impression is yeasty and bready. A robust presence of peppercorn, black tea, and pipe smoke. Pistachio and toasted almond notes. Candied orange and orange citrus. Similar to Cinnamon Apple Jacks. Peach tea. Following with black pepper, rye, clove, nutmeg, and oak spice. Aftertaste: Reminiscent of Cinnamon Apple Jacks. Orange citrus. Toasted almond and pistachio. Peppercorn, black tea, and pipe smoke. A final wave of black pepper, rye, clove, nutmeg, and oak spice. The finish is lengthy. Not quite cask strength duration, but certainly toward the longer side. This spirit provided an enjoyable experience. It presents as the regular Knob Creek Rye but with an enhanced layer of barrel char. This addition seems to address what the original expression, a worthy bottling on its own, might have lacked. Acquiring this was a good choice. It certainly will not revolutionize the bourbon category. In fact, looking back, it clearly did not, as evidenced by its limited availability. However, it was a sensible concept for a limited release. The Beam-rye character is consistently dependable. A score of 4.25/5 seems appropriate. Another success for the Knob Creek range.

Tasted neat for the first time. This is a dark spirit, and I really like its color. The aroma definitely carries some sweetness. The flavor is also sweet, with abundant vanilla and caramel notes. The sweetness persists on the palate. What disappoints me is the finish. The conclusion is rather harsh for me, but not due to the alcohol content, as I've also been sampling Jim Beam BiB, which is also 100 proof. There's an unidentifiable flavor on the finish that strikes me as quite harsh and lingers, spoiling the experience. I paid $18 for this and am fortunate I didn't spend more. I will try it with ice next time to see if that improves the finish.

The aroma is truly fantastic, rich with cinnamon candies and strong barrel wood. The initial taste is somewhat underwhelming, as I don't detect a 100 proof character, nor is the rye immediately apparent. However, after letting the whiskey move across the tongue, I can now discern that, while the double barreling significantly enhanced the oak and caramel notes, it really softened this distillery's rye offering. Now, in place of bright grass and cinnamon, I taste deeper spices, such as clove and anise. Considering the amazing smell and the robust wood finish, this is a quality, distinctive bottle to keep for comparing other rye bases.

Alongside High West Rendezvous Rye, this expression is pretty much what rye should taste like. Picture sharp, smooth rye bread with a touch of honey (just a little, not the sugary sweetness of other ryes) and a bit more pepper, plus a subtle aftertaste of warmth and iodine. The pleasant warmth lingers on the palate but not the throat or the tongue, making this a "low-impact" rye. And low-impact ryes typically don't taste nearly as pure, sharp, and fresh as this one. It's not the absolute best, but it's close, a delight to savor, and a winner.

Notes of sawdust, caramel, and rye spice with a pronounced peppery kick, along with prunes, buttery undertones, fading vanilla beans, and the typical grassy rye flavor. Leather and animal crackers complete the finish. Considering its double-barreled process, the oak tannins are surprisingly mild and not at all bitter. While not the best from its distillery lineup, nor my immediate first choice, it's a dependable whiskey. Other recommendations include certain brands and expressions.