Tastes

Nose is pretty light, with some pleasant honey and oat notes. The palate then smacks you with a bomb of spice and a thick mouthfeel, with a rich, creamy, almost cake-y note rounding it out. A big, minty, rye-heavy finish and long hug. It’s hot, but, boy, is it delicious.

Nose is a lot more oak-heavy than other Knob Creek releases. Some roasted marshmallow notes as well. Dark, woody, palate, followed by a lingering, smokey finish. This is right on the edge of where some people may not like the big oak presence, but if you’re into that like I am, it’s a great pour.

Classic Buffalo Trace notes of cherry, grape, and brown sugar on the nose. Palate is similar, but spicier. Baking spice finish, with some subtle mint coming to play towards the end. An excellent pour.

Nose is surprisingly sweet for a rye, with honey leading before turning more leathery. Palate brings in notes of mint and lemongrass, then a bomb of spice and wood hits you on the finish, which is nice and long.

Peppermint and baking spices on the nose. Palate is vegetal but subtle, then maple syrup and a hint of clove come in on the finish. Wish it lingered a little longer, but overall, this is a really nice, easygoing rye.

Lemon zest, raw honey, and cinnamon on the nose. Similarly sweet notes on the palate, with honey playing the lead. Long finish and a tight hug. Great stuff.

Smells like a glass full of Autumn. Red apples, deep, rich caramel, and dry red wine. Palate is full-bodied and fruity, with a long, spicy finish. As big a Kentucky hug as you can hope for. Makers knocked it out of the park on this one.

I get cloves, orange peel, and a hint of charcoal on the nose. More orange and some vanilla and lavender on the palate, starting light and floral before turning much richer, into a deep caramel. Nice, warm finish that doesn’t linger. An excellent regular sipper all around.

Honey, brown sugar, and cherry on the nose. Nutmeg and baking spices make for an unexpectedly spicy palate after that. Big, bold, spicy finish with a gentle but long hug.

(Tasting the 112.4 proof) Very floral nose. Hint of mint at the end too. Mint on the palate hits you in the face and lingers long into the finish. Some sweeter honey and maple syrup notes develop towards the back to balance it out. Nice long hug. I love it.