Knob Creek 9yo, 50 %, 750ml
Package: The theme of this bourbon is “pre-prohibition” and “hand-crafted”, so we have a bottle resembling a bootlegger’s flask, with a black wax sealed top, complete with a cork. To be honest I think it’s absolutely adorable. It looks slightly evocative of nostalgia yet modern enough with its newspaper-like lettering on the label. On the back label, it says “Distilled at Knob Creek Distillery, Clermont, Kentucky”. Why this is problematic I shall elaborate later.
Color: Golden amber, slightly lighter than most bourbons.
Tasting Notes: The nose emits a pleasant, tickling aroma of anise, vanilla, oak and rye spices, with woodiness most prominently presented; very well-integrated and civilized. The bourbon is light-bodied yet incredibly firm, with plenty of mellow flavors: there’s a thick swath of all elements present in the nosing, namely vanilla, oak, spice and a heady undertone of cocoa rising in the nostrils. The spices are slightly citrusy and tangy, and corn sweetness interacts beautifully with the bitter cocoa. Knob creek finishes surprisingly clean, with the warmth of a solid 100 proof bourbon; tiny traces of all flavors on the palate remain on the tongue; once again, subtle and well-balanced indeed.
Bang for Buck Meter: BBB
Comment: Another higher-end (small batch), rock solid bourbon from the Jim Beam distillery. Knob Creek shines in its pitch-perfect balance of various flavor elements available to American Whiskies, with a compelling streak of cocoa to truly distinguish itself form the rest of the pack. It is perhaps less conspicuous than the nutty, silky Baker’s, yet more multifaceted and representative of a decent bourbon. I remember an old friend telling me about how Knob Creek is the true soul-mate of Coca-Cola; how it “marries” and “intercourses” with Coke seamlessly, even better than Jack Daniels. Well, for a straight-drinker like me, the recipe does not arouse much interest, but for those who are looking for a stronger Whiskey Coke (Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 is bottled at 40%), and has the cash to burn, why not try a Knob Coke? So much for the jolly, now for the sully: lets deal with the “problem” I proposed in the package section. Frankly, I have qualms with how Jim Beam markets these premium products. The back label’s “Knob Creek Distillery” is effectively the Jim Beam distillery. Coupled with the tagline “small-batch”, this creates an illusion that this whisky was made in a small operation, which it isn’t. Despite how good the spirit is, I feel some insincerity from the manufacturers, or perhaps – insecurity? Everyone knows Jim Beam as the standard bourbon, it’s not the best nor the worst, yet with a slightly “mass-produced”, “cheap” impression (don’t even ask Scotch snobs). With outstanding bourbons like this, the folks at Jim Beam perhaps should feel more confident in brandishing their true origins.
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