Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Aged 9 years comes to us from Knob Creek Distilling Company which was founded in 1992 by Booker Noe, a seventh-generation member of the Beam family. Noe was inspired to create Knob Creek after tasting a bottle of pre-Prohibition bourbon that his grandfather had saved. He wanted to create a bourbon that was similar in flavor and character to that old bottle.
Noe began by experimenting with different mash bills and aging techniques. He eventually settled on a recipe that used 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. The bourbon was aged for at least nine years in new charred oak barrels and was first release in 1992.
Bourbon Review:Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
ABV: 60% (120 Poof)
Age: 9 Years
Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Distillery: Knob Creek Distilling Company
Location: Clermont, KY (USA)
The Nose: The initial pull from the glass has an abundance of powder sugar and vanilla. Secondary pulls see the addition of caramelized sugar which I like to the top of creme brûlée and smokey oak.
The Taste: As expected due to the high ABV there is some lingering heat on the finish of this which sees an abundance of licorice. The front end sees a wisp of vanilla that reappears at the end of the somewhat long finish, along with some wheat and barley at the mid point.
Conclusion: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve might be the best in its category. Even though it comes in at 120 proof it is easy to drink with a delicious flavor profile. The barrel proof bourbon has gone up in price in recent years so it isn’t as much of a value but it still stands out. For those of you who like a cigar with your beverage, I would suggest a milder cigar as the fuller bodied Nicaraguans don’t enhance the experience.
Score: 95
Price: $59.99 (750ml)
