Tastes

Sweet vanilla caramel nose, smooth. Incredibly well balanced because of the proof, sweetness, and depth. Probably my favorite bourbon ever.

Hotter and spicier than anticipated.

Knob Creek is a robust and full bodied bourbon. It can feel thick and sometimes a bit syrupy depending on the bottle/batch. That characteristic makes it my favorite bourbon for an old fashioned. While many out Knob Creek and Woodford Reserve on similar planes, I prefer Woodford because it’s a bit cleaner in flavor. Both have great robustness which lots of flavors to sift through.

Bulleit is a solid bourbon that checks all the boxes but doesn’t overachieve in any. It flavor sits nicely between the ryes and the more robust bourbons. It’s easy drinking and can be a great addition to any bourbon collection. This is the bourbon I’d give friend who claim to be bourbon drinkers that are eyeing my stock but I know they don’t have a full appreciation of the spirit.

Maker’s is a solid bourbon with a bit more sweetness than I prefer. It’s a solid gateway bourbon for those just getting into bourbon as the sweet heat and thinness make for a bourbon that adds flavor when mixed.

Basil Hayden’s is an easy drinking bourbon. Keep it neat as it’s thin due to the higher rye content. It’s delicately balanced and can be overwhelmed with any additions. This is where I go when I want an easy drink with no fuss.

Impress your friends with this bourbon. There’s something magical here where the bourbon rolls through a multitude of flavors that feel deep and everlasting. Good spice and smoke with just the right touch of heat that reminds you it’s a brand of Wild Turkey. The Diamond part comes in with just the slightest touch of vanilla and sweetness. Any bourbon lover needs to have a bottle of this in his or her arsenal.

My general rule is that the fancier the bottle, the worse the alcohol in it. That’s not the case with this bourbon. The pot still bottle holds a terrifically balanced bourbon. Willett Pot Still carries a great blend of spice, vanilla, and tanginess. Some smoke with a little heat makes this great for pairing with a mild to medium flavored cigar.

Woodford is my everyday go-to bourbon. Smooth, yet full bodied. Can be drank neat, on a couple rocks, or holds up well in an old fashioned. One of the best values on the market.