Tastes

Exactly what you’d expect from a Knob Creek Small Batch that has an extra 3 years in the barrel. That great Knob Creek flavor - vanilla, caramel, oak - but a bit richer. Still has a good balance of spice. Mellows after ice melts. A solid sipping bourbon, especially for those who already enjoy the standard 9 year or Single Barrel offerings.

Described as “rich and mellow” in the label, but my first impression was spice. It does have an underlying sweetness, almost apple-like, with a slight hint of caramel. Not unpleasant, just expected a more smooth whiskey. It does linger on the finish. Note: as my whiskey rock melted, Johnny Drum did become more mellow.

First taste was pure cinnamon up front and a nice easy finish. The whiskey mellowed as the ice block melted and was very nice to sip. Not overly complex, but very drinkable. Cool visual with the toasted oak spiral stave in the bottle. May not win any awards, but a really pleasant find.

Very interesting offering. Tasted as part of a tasting at Preservation Distillery in Bardstown, KY. There were 10 of us tasting and the variety of flavors mentioned was startling. Some tasted leathery, peppery spice while others thought is was fruity. I tasted more butterscotch and cinnamon. Worth trying if you can find it to see what you taste.

Surprisingly good bourbon for the price. More complex than other bottom shelf labels. Can’t stack up against most medium to high priced bourbons, but for what it is, it’s pretty good. Be a good well bourbon for cocktails.

Opens like a typical Willet bourbon, smooth and easy, but develops some nice complex flavor before finishing with a sweet, Scotch-like smokiness. A different bourbon, but my wife and I both enjoy it.

Really nice balance. A bit more spicy on the tongue, but fades to a nice vanilla sweetness on the finish.

Nice. Some butterscotch and vanilla up front, but a nice spice to the finish.

Smooth and slightly sweet, but enough spice to keep it interesting. Loses a bit as ice melts and dilutes the whiskey. Nice change of pace for bourbon drinkers.

Tastes very much like Baker’s, but a bit richer perhaps. Smooth up front, but nice lingering spice. Good sipping bourbon.