Knob Creek Single Barrel picks are generally well-regarded for their higher proof (typically 120-125 proof) and rich, complex flavor profiles that often surpass the standard Knob Creek offerings, though individual picks can vary significantly. Reviews highlight notes of brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice. These are a fantastic value, especially older age-stated picks, the high proof are a treat for the palate, and reveals their depth.
We named this selection “Knock, Knock, Knob”, as ti took exactly three whacks of a mallet to release the bung when we tasted it. Others took many more swings, and this one opened easily for us!
Knob Creek Single Barrel
Our Knob Creek Single Barrel Private Selection raffle is open! Please complete this form to join the raffle, up to 5 per person. Each ticket/entry will entitle you to a bottle of this special bourbon, and you are entered to win other prizes, including, a Knob Creek Barrel Head!
REVIEW
Distillery: Jim Beam
Proof: 124.9 proof at the tasting
Age: 9 Years (barreled on 10/1/2015)
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
BACKGROUND: Knob Creek Single Barrel Selects are some of the best value bourbons on the market depending on the selection. They use the same mashbill as all of the Knob Creek Bourbons and can sometimes get as old as 15 years old. This specific pick is 9 years old which is in line with most single barrels but younger than their 12 year release at 100 proof and new limited 15 year release at 100 proof.
NOSE: For a high proof nose this was more of a sweet and classic nose with scents of caramel, vanilla, honey, oak, hints of maple, toffee and spice. We loved this nose as it was well balanced and did not burn at all.
PALATE: This sip is warm and inviting with a sweet palate similar to the nose. As soon as the whiskey touched out lips we were met with notes of vanilla, maple, brown sugar, rye spice and oak. Our mouth was tingling as the whiskey sat which was a reminder of the proof on this whiskey. This single barrel pick had a creamy and rich mouthfeel that left our mouth tingling from the proof.
FINISH: There was loads of rye spice, cracked pepper, leather, and oak on the finish. The finish was long and oily leaving me wanting another sip. With a drop of water the finish is like a sweet caramel pie with cinnamon sprinkled on top.
FINAL THOUGHTS: This private barrel pick was a delicious and flavorful whiskey. It was selected by the majority of the team, when compared to the other private barrels we tasted that day.
