It's September 2006 and I'm in Kentucky attending the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. On this particular sunny day, I'm at the Jim Beam Distillery enjoying a tour with Fred Noe, the Brand Ambassador and a member of the Beam family (seventh generation). As we tour the facility, we enter the dump house where they are drilling out the bung of bourbon barrels and dumping the contents in troughs. Fred hands out small glasses and advises that if we want a taste, just slip the glass under the flow of bourbon comi
ng from the barrel. You didn't have to ask me twice and I filled up my glass. I still remember nosing and tasting Knob Creek at barrel strength and proclaimed out loud, "I would love it if you would bottle this at barrel strength". It was delicious bourbon. Translated down to the normal Knob Creek 9 year 100 proof, it just didn't capture my attention like the barrel strength version did and since 2006, I've only had one bottle of normal Knob Creek.
The news came out around mid summer of 2010 that Jim Beam was going to release a single barrel version but at the time, we really didn't know it was also going to be a higher proof. In October John Hansell did a review of the new Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 120 proof and rated it a 94. This is telling because the difference may not seem like much but it's actually two factors that set this apart from the normal Knob Creek Small Batch. Both version are 9 years old and of the same mashbill. Where they diverge is one being a single barrel and the other being a small batch. The single barrel is 120 proof and the small batch is 100 proof. To me, those are two big factors and the taste tells the rest of the story. Keep in mind, a single barrel of anything will vary from barrel to barrel so you may not get the same experience over multiple bottles. The small batch is supposed to have a more consistent flavor profile.
Color is moderate amber and very inviting to the eye. Nosing this bourbon it definitely has more complexity than the normal Knob Creek offering; aroma's of dried fruit, toffee, rye floral and oak. This bourbon has a very nice nose on it. Entry is bold, sweet with lively spice at mid palate. A nice mingling of flavors transitions to a finish that is actually quite long leaving a slight tingling on the lips. The finish fades to a creamy state with no bitterness. In the spirit of full disclosure, I have not been a fan of Jim Beam bourbon over the years and the only one that I can truly say that I like is a 1982 Jim Beam White. Well, that changed with this offering. The Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve is a nice bourbon, pleasant to drink and is moderately priced at around $40. I feel the same way about this bourbon's price as I did the Makers 46; a little on the high side but still worth getting at least one bottle and give it a spin.
Great review Greg. Now I need to make my way to the Liquor store (Tomorrow is payday) and pick this one and the new Early Times up and give them a go. Wouldn't it be great if Bourbon makers became a little more adventurous like beer makers? I'm looking forward to this more than you can imagine.
ReplyDeleteLet me know your thoughts Don when you try the KC. I think the craft whiskey market has the potential much like early craft brewers did. I don't think craft whiskey will make the impact that craft beer producers did but I definitely see craft whiskey carving out their own niche within the enthusiast community. Right now High West has some really interesting products on the market as well as Finger Lakes up in New York and Catoctin Creek just down the road from me.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Greg! The single barrel hasn't made it out here yet, and to be honest, I was pretty much ignoring it since, like you, I'm not much of a Beam fan. But your review has sparked my interest. I might just have to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI would be surprised if you didn't like it. To me, the extra 20 proof points really increased the likability of this bourbon. As I stated in the post, my primary criticism is the price. I understand the price point this being a new release but if you think back when Bernheim wheat was released, it was going for $39.99 and it's now mid $20's in many markets.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, another great post Greg. The only problem is that you're making it tougher on those of us who live where it isn't yet available. I've been looking forward to trying this one ever since I first heard about it and your comments regarding its finish have sealed the deal. I'll be buying a bottle as soon as it gets here.
ReplyDeleteWell Gary, if you don't like it, don't blame me. In fact, just box it up and send it my way and I'll make sure it's disposed of properly.
ReplyDeleteJust finishing my first tasting of this and it doesn't disappoint. It is everything Knob Creek should be raised to a level of higher strength while keeping it's charateristic smooth and sweet drinkability. I was thinking, compared to Bookers, it gives the same satisfaction at a price at least $10 less. It is great with just water and if you like you can even extend it with a bit more water than you usually use and still have a world-class drink. If the price does come down by any meaningful amount later this year it will be an outright bargain as it is very strong, definitely complex, and so smooth.
ReplyDeleteJohn - funny you mention Booker's as I was talking to a friend last night who said the same thing. As I said in the post, my only hesitation is the price. I think the price should come down to make it more competitive.
ReplyDeleteI returned from a trip to Ecuador 2 weeks ago and hit up one of my favorite watering holes for a bite to eat and a bourbon. This place usually has a great selection and even better is the female talent that shows up at the bar (Miami Beach). Bar manager calls me "the bourbon guy" and always lets me know when he has new stock and on this visit happens to have the KC single barrel. I tried it neat and was surprised at how mellow the finish was for a 120-proofer. Seemed much smoother than the regular KC. Very nice nose and the strongest taste on the palate for me was black cherry. I enjoyed but as you said would like it better at around $29.99 where Makers 46 is at.
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