Tastes

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF SHOWDOWN: 2021 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A121 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B521 Continuing to work through whiskies in my collection that I’ve yet to review. I’ve got several years and releases of ECBP; however, my only complete year for all three releases is 2017. For 2021, I was never able to find C921, so this showdown will compare the A121 to the B521. I’ve gone through seven years of community ranking data for each triannual rating of ECBP, and averaged the 21 averages themselves to establish a community mean for the seven-year period 2017-2023. This will enable us to quantify what the group things about a particular release relative to the overall average (mean). At the time of yesterday’s review: • mean(m): 4.26 • standard deviation(s): 0.14 • sample size(n): 3008 (If you don’t care about stats, you can skip the next two paragraphs). Because I’m unable to aggregate all ratings for each specific release (Distiller, are you listening? Give us more data!), I’m unable to establish a standard deviation for a particular release. But I am able to compute the z-score for each particular release relative to the entire sample. The z-score is computed as follows: ((mean for the specific release minus the mean for the entire sample) divided by the overall sample’s standard deviation). This statistic quantifies how much better or worse a particular release is in relation to the community’s ranking of all ECBP over the sample period. Assuming a normal distribution, any z-score within +/- 1.0 standard deviation is assumed to be within “normal” limits (per the empirical rule, ~68% of the distribution is within +/- 1 standard deviation from the mean). A z-score of +/- 2 standard deviations would represent ~95% of the distribution; and +/- 3 is ~99% of the distribution. Thus a z-score of +1.5 would be a significantly better release than normal (and -1.5 would be significantly worse). A z-score of 2.0 would be better than 95% of the sample, etc. (End of stats geek stuff). Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A121 The A121 presents as a deep, dark amber, much like Pantone 152. Effusive nose shows toasted oak, peanut brittle (this later after going back and forth between the two), cherries, pomander (both the dried orange and clove components), some corn pudding, vanilla, and a little anise at the end. The palate is wonderfully sweet and the alcohol is quickly noticeable on the back end, bringing some spice. Charred oak, just a smidgen of tannic bitterness, and nice vanilla on the finish. Caveat lector: I’m a huge ECBP fan, and I’m certainly not alone there. Where else are you going to find rich, bold flavors at 125-ish proof for $75? Larceny Barrel Proof (another Heaven Hill product) is getting there (it’s actually a little cheaper). Elijah Craig Barrel Proof has no competition in this space. Would I buy it again? Yes. Over the course of half an hour, the A121 just kept getting better and better. It’s amazing. 4.5 on the Distiller scale. My rating: 4.5 Community: m=4.24, z=-0.16, n=239 (marginally worse than all ECBPs) 123.6 proof. 12-year age statement. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B521 Like the A121, the B521 is a clear version of Pantone 152. Nose exhibits crème brûlée, toasted oak, clove, apple cider, and a little bit of a dusty element. Palate is sweeter than the nose, with chocolate-covered cherries. I even thought I got a touch of pineapple, with some coconut: not quite a piña colada, but coconut is not uncommon from oak. . The alcohol seems a little more integrated (to be fair, it is 4.6 proof points lower than the A121), but teh spice is there. Roasted marshmallow, a little oak, and a long pull of vanilla on the finish. This is beginning to sound like a broken record: complex nose, rich and robust flavors, barrel-proof strength, and $75. Would I buy it again? Yes. Every time. 4.5 on the Distiller scale. My rating: 4.5 Community: m=4.15, z=-0.81, n=190 (moderately worse than all ECBPs) 118.2 proof. 12-year age statement. Both of these ECBP releases have without-a-doubt bourbon profiles, with the volume pushing full blast. They’re not perfect exemplars—my benchmarks are the 2019 William Larue Weller and George T. Stagg for higher proofs—and these fall short of that smoothness and the warm, enveloping, even soothing experiences that those bourbons provide. While I’ve listed some different descriptors—which are subjective and often times overlap and are not explicitly distinct—the two releases are more similar than they are different, and consistent with typical ECBP offerings. I rate them higher than the Distiller community. How many bourbons are that much better? Not many. I’ll happily savor these neat: like all ECBP releases, they offer both hedonistic and intellectual pleasure. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF SHOWDOWN: 2019 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A119 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B519 Continuing to work through whiskies in my collection that I’ve yet to review. I’ve got several years and releases of ECBP; however, my only complete year for all three releases is 2017. For 2019, I was never able to find C919, so this showdown will compare the A119 to the B519. I’ve gone through seven years of community ranking data for each triannual rating of ECBP, and averaged the 21 averages themselves to establish a community mean for the seven-year period 2017-2023. This will enable us to quantify what the group things about a particular release relative to the overall average (mean). At the time of yesterday’s review: • mean(m): 4.26 • standard deviation(s): 0.14 • sample size(n): 3008 (If you don’t care about stats, you can skip the next two paragraphs). Because I’m unable to aggregate all ratings for each specific release (Distiller, are you listening? Give us more data!), I’m unable to establish a standard deviation for a particular release. But I am able to compute the z-score for each particular release relative to the entire sample. The z-score is computed as follows: ((mean for the specific release minus the mean for the entire sample) divided by the overall sample’s standard deviation). This statistic quantifies how much better or worse a particular release is in relation to the community’s ranking of all ECBP over the sample period. Assuming a normal distribution, any z-score within +/- 1.0 standard deviation is assumed to be within “normal” limits (per the empirical rule, ~68% of the distribution is within +/- 1 standard deviation from the mean). A z-score of +/- 2 standard deviations would represent ~95% of the distribution; and +/- 3 is ~99% of the distribution. Thus a z-score of +1.5 would be a significantly better release than normal (and -1.5 would be significantly worse). A z-score of 2.0 would be better than 95% of the sample, etc. (End of stats geek stuff). Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A119 Color is a clear russet mahogany, consistent with Pantone 153. Prominent cherries on the nose, orange marmalade, caramel apples, oaky vanilla, and noticeable alcohol. Just the slightest bit of creaminess on the palate, with caramelized sugar and spicy cinnamon with the alcohol kick, finishing with some tobacco, leather, toasted oak, and lots of vanilla on the medium-long finish. For $75-80, the age statement, barrel proof, and consistent good- to-great quality of ECBP makes this bourbon a no-brainer. Unfortunately, they get scarce pretty quickly, and I’m typically not able to secure all three releases for any given year—though I definitely try. ECBP always represents a great value. This particular batch is very good: complex, robust, and approaching hazmat proof, which doesn’t overwhelm the depth and richness of flavor. Give me a campfire in the woods on a cool fall evening, and this (and a good woman). 4.5 on the Distiller scale. My rating: 4.5 Community: m=4.36, z=0.70, n=270 (moderately better than all ECBPs) 135.2 proof. 12-year age statement. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B519 Bourbonesque clear mahogany (Pantone 153) is indistinguishable in color from the A119. Nose begins with a soft cocoa powder followed by fruity cherries, grilled peaches, and strawberry preserves, and a whiff of cool licorice. The palate has a little sweetness, quickly revealing some espresso bitterness, woody tannins, char, roasted marshmallow, and burnt caramel, before fading to vanilla. Tasted after the A119, the B519’s lower proof is evident: this is a kinder, gentler ECBP. “Gentler,” but not “gentle.” It’s softer than the A119, but has the gusto to wear the ECBP banner proudly. While the community rates this as slightly below all ECBPs over the past seven years, I’d rate it just slightly above, but given the quarter-point increments of the Distiller rating system, there’s not enough to push it to a 4.5 like the A119. Great value as always. Would I buy it again? Yes. I buy every ECBP release that I see. 4.25 on the Distiller scale. My rating: 4.25 Community: m=4.23, z=-0.23, n=305 (slightly worse than all ECBPs) 122.2 proof. 12-year age statement. For the most part, comparing ECBPs is like comparing BMWs with Mercedes, or critiquing any luxury car brand and debating the merits of different options. These tasting “Showdowns” are fun to do, and I believe are good exercises for your nose and palate. Finding the good stuff requires wading through a lot of crap. I’ve waded through a lot of crap already, and am sure that ECBP is among the good stuff. Overall, the A119 is more complex and assertive, whereas the B519 is softer (and still complex). Both are perched near the top of the bourbon world. The A119 appeals a bit more to my palate than the B519, but I will continue to happily drink them both. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF SHOWDOWN: 2019 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A119 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B519 Continuing to work through whiskies in my collection that I’ve yet to review. I’ve got several years and releases of ECBP; however, my only complete year for all three releases is 2017. For 2019, I was never able to find C919, so this showdown will compare the A119 to the B519. I’ve gone through seven years of community ranking data for each triannual rating of ECBP, and averaged the 21 averages themselves to establish a community mean for the seven-year period 2017-2023. This will enable us to quantify what the group things about a particular release relative to the overall average (mean). At the time of yesterday’s review: • mean(m): 4.26 • standard deviation(s): 0.14 • sample size(n): 3008 (If you don’t care about stats, you can skip the next two paragraphs). Because I’m unable to aggregate all ratings for each specific release (Distiller, are you listening? Give us more data!), I’m unable to establish a standard deviation for a particular release. But I am able to compute the z-score for each particular release relative to the entire sample. The z-score is computed as follows: ((mean for the specific release minus the mean for the entire sample) divided by the overall sample’s standard deviation). This statistic quantifies how much better or worse a particular release is in relation to the community’s ranking of all ECBP over the sample period. Assuming a normal distribution, any z-score within +/- 1.0 standard deviation is assumed to be within “normal” limits (per the empirical rule, ~68% of the distribution is within +/- 1 standard deviation from the mean). A z-score of +/- 2 standard deviations would represent ~95% of the distribution; and +/- 3 is ~99% of the distribution. Thus a z-score of +1.5 would be a significantly better release than normal (and -1.5 would be significantly worse). A z-score of 2.0 would be better than 95% of the sample, etc. (End of stats geek stuff). Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A119 Color is a clear russet mahogany, consistent with Pantone 153. Prominent cherries on the nose, orange marmalade, caramel apples, oaky vanilla, and noticeable alcohol. Just the slightest bit of creaminess on the palate, with caramelized sugar and spicy cinnamon with the alcohol kick, finishing with some tobacco, leather, toasted oak, and lots of vanilla on the medium-long finish. For $75-80, the age statement, barrel proof, and consistent good- to-great quality of ECBP makes this bourbon a no-brainer. Unfortunately, they get scarce pretty quickly, and I’m typically not able to secure all three releases for any given year—though I definitely try. ECBP always represents a great value. This particular batch is very good: complex, robust, and approaching hazmat proof, which doesn’t overwhelm the depth and richness of flavor. Give me a campfire in the woods on a cool fall evening, and this (and a good woman). 4.5 on the Distiller scale. My rating: 4.5 Community: m=4.36, z=0.70, n=270 (moderately better than all ECBPs) 135.2 proof. 12-year age statement. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B519 Bourbonesque clear mahogany (Pantone 153) is indistinguishable in color from the A119. Nose begins with a soft cocoa powder followed by fruity cherries, grilled peaches, and strawberry preserves, and a whiff of cool licorice. The palate has a little sweetness, quickly revealing some espresso bitterness, woody tannins, char, roasted marshmallow, and burnt caramel, before fading to vanilla. Tasted after the A119, the B519’s lower proof is evident: this is a kinder, gentler ECBP. “Gentler,” but not “gentle.” It’s softer than the A119, but has the gusto to wear the ECBP banner proudly. While the community rates this as slightly below all ECBPs over the past seven years, I’d rate it just slightly above, but given the quarter-point increments of the Distiller rating system, there’s not enough to push it to a 4.5 like the A119. Great value as always. Would I buy it again? Yes. I buy every ECBP release that I see. 4.25 on the Distiller scale. My rating: 4.25 Community: m=4.23, z=-0.23, n=305 (slightly worse than all ECBPs) 122.2 proof. 12-year age statement. For the most part, comparing ECBPs is like comparing BMWs with Mercedes, or critiquing any luxury car brand and debating the merits of different options. These tasting “Showdowns” are fun to do, and I believe are good exercises for your nose and palate. Finding the good stuff requires wading through a lot of crap. I’ve waded through a lot of crap already, and am sure that ECBP is among the good stuff. Overall, the A119 is more complex and assertive, whereas the B519 is softer (and still complex). Both are perched near the top of the bourbon world. The A119 appeals a bit more to my palate than the B519, but I will continue to happily drink them both. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF SHOWDOWN: 2018 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C918 Continuing to work through whiskies in my collection that I’ve yet to review. I’ve got several years and releases of ECBP; however, my only complete year for all three releases is 2017. For 2018, I was never able to find that A118, so this showdown will compare the B518 to the C918. I thought it would be instructive to go through seven years of community ranking data for each triannual rating of ECBP, and then quantify what the community thinks of each release relative to the whole. For the seven-year period 2017-2023, as of the time of this review, aggregating all releases of ECBP: • mean(m): 4.26 • standard deviation(s): 0.14 • sample size(n): 3008 (If you don’t care about stats, you can skip the next two paragraphs). Because I’m unable to aggregate all ratings for each specific release (Distiller, are you listening? Give us more data!), I’m unable to establish a standard deviation for a particular release. But I am able to compute the z-score for each particular release relative to the entire sample. The z-score is computed as follows: ((mean for the specific release minus the mean for the entire sample) divided by the overall sample’s standard deviation). This statistic quantifies how much better or worse a particular release is in relation to the community’s ranking of all ECBP over the sample period. Assuming a normal distribution, any z-score within +/- 1.0 is assumed to be within “normal” limits (per the empirical rule, ~68% the distribution is within +/- 1 standard deviation from the mean). A z-score of +/- 2 standard deviations would represent ~95% of the distribution; and +/- 3 is ~99% of the distribution. Thus a z-score of +1.5 would be a significantly better release than normal (and -1.5 would be significantly worse). A z-score of 2.0 would be better than 95% of the sample, etc. (End of stats geek stuff). For each year that I review, again for the bottles I have, I’ll do the same stats for that particular year. I’ll also attempt to go back and insert this information in other reviews I’ve done, when appropriate. So here we go. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 Color is a clear mahogany, with bourbon typicity much like Pantone 153. The nose is a bit sharp, and shows apple cider, cocoa, oranges, caramelized sugar, char, espresso, and a dusting of softening nutmeg. The palate is expressive, starting off sweet, followed by a barbecue sauce tang, and then the heat kicks in. Vanilla is prominent on the long finish, with roasted marshmallow making an appearance, along with some lingering char, a touch of bitterness, and additional burn. After the C918, the barbecue sauce tang that I caught on the palate is detectable on the nose, and even a little salt. Nowadays, current releases of ECBP (or previous releases still in inventory) retail for around $75. However, bottles are often marked up because of the scarcity of each release (three per year). Older bottles are even more scarce, and ostensibly would be priced accordingly. I always have my eye out for ECBP; the problem is, I’m frequently not able to find them all. Would I buy them again? Yes. There is variability among releases—they can range from merely good to fantastic—but ECBP is known for its consistency and quality, and on a value basis, $75 (if you can get it) is very good for a barrel-proof bourbon with a 12-year age statement. 4.25 on the Distiller scale. My rating: 4.25 Community: m=4.32, z=0.41, n=81 (moderately better than all ECBPs) 133.4 proof. 12-year age statement. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C918 Color is indistinguishable from the B518, analogous to Pantone 153. Cocoa powder, pressed sugar cane, orange oil, cinnamon stick, toasted oak, and vanilla. A little creaminess on the palate, with noticeable ethanol. The finish starts with a touch of bitterness—some woody tannins masquerading as espresso—along with some leathery dryness, and then the cocoa and vanilla from the nose appear again on the medium-length finish. All ECBPs are rich and robust, and when sipped neat, not for the faint of heart. The ECBP C918 is no exception. But it comes across as a bit softer and more mellow than the B518. This is great bourbon, period. In the humble opinion of this reviewer, the value can’t be beat—value being not just price, but what you’re getting for the price. And you’re getting an awful lot. At $75-80 retail, would I buy it again? Yes. My rating: 4.25 Community: m=4.27, z=0.05, n=173 (essentially dead-on average vs all ECBPs) 131.4 proof. 12-year age statement. Perhaps the best thing about doing these “Showdowns” is after spending some time individually with each one and writing some notes, I’m then able to go back and forth a bit and smell and taste additional nuances that I wouldn’t have caught otherwise. Overall, the B518 has more complexity and dimensionality than the C918. It has more presence and pervasiveness on the palate. It does carry 2 additional proof points, but at this level, that’s insignificant. Both of these are good, but not otherworldly, consistent with the overall community profile for ECBP. Initially, I had the C918 better than the B518, but after some back-and-forth, the B518 gets the nod, even though due to the quarter-point increments of the Distiller rating system, I rate them both 4.25. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF SHOWDOWN: 2018 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C918 Continuing to work through whiskies in my collection that I’ve yet to review. I’ve got several years and releases of ECBP; however, my only complete year for all three releases is 2017. For 2018, I was never able to find that A118, so this showdown will compare the B518 to the C918. I thought it would be instructive to go through seven years of community ranking data for each triannual rating of ECBP, and then quantify what the community thinks of each release relative to the whole. For the seven-year period 2017-2023, as of the time of this review, aggregating all releases of ECBP: • mean(m): 4.26 • standard deviation(s): 0.14 • sample size(n): 3008 (If you don’t care about stats, you can skip the next two paragraphs). Because I’m unable to aggregate all ratings for each specific release (Distiller, are you listening? Give us more data!), I’m unable to establish a standard deviation for a particular release. But I am able to compute the z-score for each particular release relative to the entire sample. The z-score is computed as follows: ((mean for the specific release minus the mean for the entire sample) divided by the overall sample’s standard deviation). This statistic quantifies how much better or worse a particular release is in relation to the community’s ranking of all ECBP over the sample period. Assuming a normal distribution, any z-score within +/- 1.0 is assumed to be within “normal” limits (per the empirical rule, ~68% the distribution is within +/- 1 standard deviation from the mean). A z-score of +/- 2 standard deviations would represent ~95% of the distribution; and +/- 3 is ~99% of the distribution. Thus a z-score of +1.5 would be a significantly better release than normal (and -1.5 would be significantly worse). A z-score of 2.0 would be better than 95% of the sample, etc. (End of stats geek stuff). For each year that I review, again for the bottles I have, I’ll do the same stats for that particular year. I’ll also attempt to go back and insert this information in other reviews I’ve done, when appropriate. So here we go. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 Color is a clear mahogany, with bourbon typicity much like Pantone 153. The nose is a bit sharp, and shows apple cider, cocoa, oranges, caramelized sugar, char, espresso, and a dusting of softening nutmeg. The palate is expressive, starting off sweet, followed by a barbecue sauce tang, and then the heat kicks in. Vanilla is prominent on the long finish, with roasted marshmallow making an appearance, along with some lingering char, a touch of bitterness, and additional burn. After the C918, the barbecue sauce tang that I caught on the palate is detectable on the nose, and even a little salt. Nowadays, current releases of ECBP (or previous releases still in inventory) retail for around $75. However, bottles are often marked up because of the scarcity of each release (three per year). Older bottles are even more scarce, and ostensibly would be priced accordingly. I always have my eye out for ECBP; the problem is, I’m frequently not able to find them all. Would I buy them again? Yes. There is variability among releases—they can range from merely good to fantastic—but ECBP is known for its consistency and quality, and on a value basis, $75 (if you can get it) is very good for a barrel-proof bourbon with a 12-year age statement. 4.25 on the Distiller scale. My rating: 4.25 Community: m=4.32, z=0.41, n=81 (moderately better than all ECBPs) 133.4 proof. 12-year age statement. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C918 Color is indistinguishable from the B518, analogous to Pantone 153. Cocoa powder, pressed sugar cane, orange oil, cinnamon stick, toasted oak, and vanilla. A little creaminess on the palate, with noticeable ethanol. The finish starts with a touch of bitterness—some woody tannins masquerading as espresso—along with some leathery dryness, and then the cocoa and vanilla from the nose appear again on the medium-length finish. All ECBPs are rich and robust, and when sipped neat, not for the faint of heart. The ECBP C918 is no exception. But it comes across as a bit softer and more mellow than the B518. This is great bourbon, period. In the humble opinion of this reviewer, the value can’t be beat—value being not just price, but what you’re getting for the price. And you’re getting an awful lot. At $75-80 retail, would I buy it again? Yes. My rating: 4.25 Community: m=4.27, z=0.05, n=173 (essentially dead-on average vs all ECBPs) 131.4 proof. 12-year age statement. Perhaps the best thing about doing these “Showdowns” is after spending some time individually with each one and writing some notes, I’m then able to go back and forth a bit and smell and taste additional nuances that I wouldn’t have caught otherwise. Overall, the B518 has more complexity and dimensionality than the C918. It has more presence and pervasiveness on the palate. It does carry 2 additional proof points, but at this level, that’s insignificant. Both of these are good, but not otherworldly, consistent with the overall community profile for ECBP. Initially, I had the C918 better than the B518, but after some back-and-forth, the B518 gets the nod, even though due to the quarter-point increments of the Distiller rating system, I rate them both 4.25. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

KNOB CREEK SHOWDOWN Knob Creek NAS Small Batch Bourbon Knob Creek 9-Year Single Barrel Reserve Knob Creek 12-Year Small Batch Continuing to work through whiskies in my collection that I’ve yet to review. I have reviewed the 12-Year previously, but since I’d yet to review the NAS Small Batch and the 9-Year Single Barrel, I thought I’d group the three together for a side-by-side tasting. Knob Creek may be a little like the old Chevy Nova, which was spurned by Hispanic clientele because “no va” means “no go” in Spanish. I was at a bar in Manhattan a few years back with an English colleague and Knob Creek looked like a safe bet, so I ordered it. When he heard this he said “I would never order Knob Creek, mate.” While Knob Creek bourbon was named after the Knob Creek Farm in Kentucky, “Knob” in the U.K. means something else entirely. I have no idea what U.K. sales look like for this Jim Beam brand. Knob Creek NAS Small Batch Bourbon Color is a clear and bourbon-like caramel-colored Pantone 138. Nose shows sweet caramel, a little orange, and a healthy dose of oak and vanilla. The palate Knob Creek NAS Small Batch can be found for around $40. The 100-proof is not diluted to the bare minimum 80 proof, which is a good thing. But the $40 price tag is high relative to the market. I recently wrote a “BUDGET BOTTLED IN BOND BOURBON SHOWDOWN” review (September 24, 2023), and each of those three 100-proof, NAS bourbons (Evan Williams BiB, Old Tub, and Wild Turkey 101) can be had for nearly half the price. The Knob Creek NAS doesn’t differentiate itself enough from those to warrant a price nearly twice as high. There are no particular flaws; but it’s not a sipper, and while higher proof is good for cocktails, you can find far cheaper 100-proof bourbons that will perform just as well. Would I buy it again? No. 3.0 on the Distiller scale. 100 proof. NAS. Knob Creek 9-Year Single Barrel Reserve Virtually identical Pantone 138 color as the Knob Creek NAS. The nose is complex, and unsurprisingly outshines the NAS, with chocolate covered cherries, dried orange, Honey-Nut Cheerios, charred oak, vanilla, and noticeable but well-integrated alcohol, followed by a little cooling mint. The mouthfeel shows a very light creaminess and coats the tongue, and the palate shows dark caramelized sugar and bittersweet chocolate, which transitions to some light woody tannic bitterness, via the charred wood and vanilla on the finish. The 9-Year Single Barrel is a significant uptick from the NAS small batch, as one would expect. There’s a lot going on here, and it’s good, but not quite very good. This could definitely be a sipper for me, and it represents good value in today’s market with a retail price around $57. Would I but it again? Yes. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. 120 proof. 9-Year age statement. Knob Creek 12-Year Small Batch Even with the older age statement, the 12-Year is the same Pantone 138 hue as the NAS Small Batch and 9-Year. The nose is reticent; I’m not getting nearly as many notes as I did when I reviewed it over a year ago. There is a bit of toffee, nutmeg, and come cooling spearmint. The palate is an enormous improvement, with sweet banana bread, gobs of toasted oak and vanilla, and at last, the presence of the 100 proof lifting its head. Toasted oak and vanilla continue on the medium-length finish, which then shows some espresso-tinged bitterness, likely the result of woody tannins from the extra barrel age. I reviewed the Knob Creek 12-Year on its own back on June 22, 2022. I was a little disappointed then, as the 12-year age statement is rare in today’s market at a “reasonable price,” and I rated it at 3.25 on the Distiller scale. This tasting is marginally better than my previous assessment. The aromatics today were not the same for me as they were a year ago; perhaps this is because this tasting was preceded by the 9-year, which is deeper, richer, and more complex. I prefer the 9-year to the 12-year, which can be had for around $65. Would I buy it again? Yes. But it comes with a caveat: due to the age statement, the flavor profile could change year to year, and the 12-year age statement is enough to roll the dice. 3.5 on the Distiller scale. 100 proof. 12-year age statement. N.B. All spirts tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

KNOB CREEK SHOWDOWN Knob Creek NAS Small Batch Bourbon Knob Creek 9-Year Single Barrel Reserve Knob Creek 12-Year Small Batch Continuing to work through whiskies in my collection that I’ve yet to review. I have reviewed the 12-Year previously, but since I’d yet to review the NAS Small Batch and the 9-Year Single Barrel, I thought I’d group the three together for a side-by-side tasting. Knob Creek may be a little like the old Chevy Nova, which was spurned by Hispanic clientele because “no va” means “no go” in Spanish. I was at a bar in Manhattan a few years back with an English colleague and Knob Creek looked like a safe bet, so I ordered it. When he heard this he said “I would never order Knob Creek, mate.” While Knob Creek bourbon was named after the Knob Creek Farm in Kentucky, “Knob” in the U.K. means something else entirely. I have no idea what U.K. sales look like for this Jim Beam brand. Knob Creek NAS Small Batch Bourbon Color is a clear and bourbon-like caramel-colored Pantone 138. Nose shows sweet caramel, a little orange, and a healthy dose of oak and vanilla. The palate Knob Creek NAS Small Batch can be found for around $40. The 100-proof is not diluted to the bare minimum 80 proof, which is a good thing. But the $40 price tag is high relative to the market. I recently wrote a “BUDGET BOTTLED IN BOND BOURBON SHOWDOWN” review (September 24, 2023), and each of those three 100-proof, NAS bourbons (Evan Williams BiB, Old Tub, and Wild Turkey 101) can be had for nearly half the price. The Knob Creek NAS doesn’t differentiate itself enough from those to warrant a price nearly twice as high. There are no particular flaws; but it’s not a sipper, and while higher proof is good for cocktails, you can find far cheaper 100-proof bourbons that will perform just as well. Would I buy it again? No. 3.0 on the Distiller scale. 100 proof. NAS. Knob Creek 9-Year Single Barrel Reserve Virtually identical Pantone 138 color as the Knob Creek NAS. The nose is complex, and unsurprisingly outshines the NAS, with chocolate covered cherries, dried orange, Honey-Nut Cheerios, charred oak, vanilla, and noticeable but well-integrated alcohol, followed by a little cooling mint. The mouthfeel shows a very light creaminess and coats the tongue, and the palate shows dark caramelized sugar and bittersweet chocolate, which transitions to some light woody tannic bitterness, via the charred wood and vanilla on the finish. The 9-Year Single Barrel is a significant uptick from the NAS small batch, as one would expect. There’s a lot going on here, and it’s good, but not quite very good. This could definitely be a sipper for me, and it represents good value in today’s market with a retail price around $57. Would I but it again? Yes. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. 120 proof. 9-Year age statement. Knob Creek 12-Year Small Batch Even with the older age statement, the 12-Year is the same Pantone 138 hue as the NAS Small Batch and 9-Year. The nose is reticent; I’m not getting nearly as many notes as I did when I reviewed it over a year ago. There is a bit of toffee, nutmeg, and come cooling spearmint. The palate is an enormous improvement, with sweet banana bread, gobs of toasted oak and vanilla, and at last, the presence of the 100 proof lifting its head. Toasted oak and vanilla continue on the medium-length finish, which then shows some espresso-tinged bitterness, likely the result of woody tannins from the extra barrel age. I reviewed the Knob Creek 12-Year on its own back on June 22, 2022. I was a little disappointed then, as the 12-year age statement is rare in today’s market at a “reasonable price,” and I rated it at 3.25 on the Distiller scale. This tasting is marginally better than my previous assessment. The aromatics today were not the same for me as they were a year ago; perhaps this is because this tasting was preceded by the 9-year, which is deeper, richer, and more complex. I prefer the 9-year to the 12-year, which can be had for around $65. Would I buy it again? Yes. But it comes with a caveat: due to the age statement, the flavor profile could change year to year, and the 12-year age statement is enough to roll the dice. 3.5 on the Distiller scale. 100 proof. 12-year age statement. N.B. All spirts tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

KNOB CREEK SHOWDOWN Knob Creek NAS Small Batch Bourbon Knob Creek 9-Year Single Barrel Reserve Knob Creek 12-Year Small Batch Continuing to work through whiskies in my collection that I’ve yet to review. I have reviewed the 12-Year previously, but since I’d yet to review the NAS Small Batch and the 9-Year Single Barrel, I thought I’d group the three together for a side-by-side tasting. Knob Creek may be a little like the old Chevy Nova, which was spurned by Hispanic clientele because “no va” means “no go” in Spanish. I was at a bar in Manhattan a few years back with an English colleague and Knob Creek looked like a safe bet, so I ordered it. When he heard this he said “I would never order Knob Creek, mate.” While Knob Creek bourbon was named after the Knob Creek Farm in Kentucky, “Knob” in the U.K. means something else entirely. I have no idea what U.K. sales look like for this Jim Beam brand. Knob Creek NAS Small Batch Bourbon Color is a clear and bourbon-like caramel-colored Pantone 138. Nose shows sweet caramel, a little orange, and a healthy dose of oak and vanilla. The palate Knob Creek NAS Small Batch can be found for around $40. The 100-proof is not diluted to the bare minimum 80 proof, which is a good thing. But the $40 price tag is high relative to the market. I recently wrote a “BUDGET BOTTLED IN BOND BOURBON SHOWDOWN” review (September 24, 2023), and each of those three 100-proof, NAS bourbons (Evan Williams BiB, Old Tub, and Wild Turkey 101) can be had for nearly half the price. The Knob Creek NAS doesn’t differentiate itself enough from those to warrant a price nearly twice as high. There are no particular flaws; but it’s not a sipper, and while higher proof is good for cocktails, you can find far cheaper 100-proof bourbons that will perform just as well. Would I buy it again? No. 3.0 on the Distiller scale. 100 proof. NAS. Knob Creek 9-Year Single Barrel Reserve Virtually identical Pantone 138 color as the Knob Creek NAS. The nose is complex, and unsurprisingly outshines the NAS, with chocolate covered cherries, dried orange, Honey-Nut Cheerios, charred oak, vanilla, and noticeable but well-integrated alcohol, followed by a little cooling mint. The mouthfeel shows a very light creaminess and coats the tongue, and the palate shows dark caramelized sugar and bittersweet chocolate, which transitions to some light woody tannic bitterness, via the charred wood and vanilla on the finish. The 9-Year Single Barrel is a significant uptick from the NAS small batch, as one would expect. There’s a lot going on here, and it’s good, but not quite very good. This could definitely be a sipper for me, and it represents good value in today’s market with a retail price around $57. Would I but it again? Yes. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. 120 proof. 9-Year age statement. Knob Creek 12-Year Small Batch Even with the older age statement, the 12-Year is the same Pantone 138 hue as the NAS Small Batch and 9-Year. The nose is reticent; I’m not getting nearly as many notes as I did when I reviewed it over a year ago. There is a bit of toffee, nutmeg, and come cooling spearmint. The palate is an enormous improvement, with sweet banana bread, gobs of toasted oak and vanilla, and at last, the presence of the 100 proof lifting its head. Toasted oak and vanilla continue on the medium-length finish, which then shows some espresso-tinged bitterness, likely the result of woody tannins from the extra barrel age. I reviewed the Knob Creek 12-Year on its own back on June 22, 2022. I was a little disappointed then, as the 12-year age statement is rare in today’s market at a “reasonable price,” and I rated it at 3.25 on the Distiller scale. This tasting is marginally better than my previous assessment. The aromatics today were not the same for me as they were a year ago; perhaps this is because this tasting was preceded by the 9-year, which is deeper, richer, and more complex. I prefer the 9-year to the 12-year, which can be had for around $65. Would I buy it again? Yes. But it comes with a caveat: due to the age statement, the flavor profile could change year to year, and the 12-year age statement is enough to roll the dice. 3.5 on the Distiller scale. 100 proof. 12-year age statement. N.B. All spirts tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Appearance is a clear and deep orange amber, resembling Pantone 153. Nose shows complex sherry influence, with dates, caramelized sugar, golden raisins, some cured meat, vanilla, a petrol/rubber element, and noticeable alcohol. Mouthfeel shows a gentle viscosity but intense flavor profile, with a sweetness that mirrors most of the olfactory notes, and adds spicy cinnamon, some bitter espresso, and noticeable alcohol on the medium-to-long finish. Glenlivet Nàdurra is not for the faint of heart. I wanted to like it for the sherry finishing and the high proof. However, it comes across as somewhat harsh and disjointed, and I say that from the perspective of someone who loves high-octane whisk(e)y. I’m not one who ever adds water to any whisky; but this one could use some toning down. I came back to this multiple times over the course of a half hour, and I actually think it would be better at a lower proof. It would seem that there is a reason why this bottle has gone unreviewed until now: I had lots of better bottles to enjoy. The Nàdurra can be found for around $90; I don’t recall what I paid for mine a few years back. Would I buy it again? No. 3.25 on the Distiller scale. 60.3% ABV. NAS. Bottled October 2015. Batch OL1015. Non-chill filtered. N.B.: All spirts tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Continuing to review unreviewed bottles in my collection. Could be done by the end of this week, in theory. Clear pale gold color like Pantone 122. Fruity nose shows two apple elements (apple juice and baked apple pie with a touch of cinnamon), biscuits, vanilla, perhaps a whiff of nutmeg. Sweet on the palate, with an oily mouthfeel, honey, oaky vanilla, and light white pepper, which is amplified on the long finish, which concludes with a touch of tannic woodiness and dryness. Entering the bottle’s code on the Bruichladdich website reveals detailed information. This bottle is from a vatting of 79 casks, 4 vintages, 2 barley types, and 7 cask types (number of casks, year, barley type, Cask type): • 30, 2010, Scottish mainland organic, USA bourbon barrel 1st fill • 21, N/A, Scottish mainland, USA bourbon barrel 1st fill • 12, N/A, Scottish mainland, USA bourbon barrel 1st fill • 4, N/A, Scottish mainland, USA bourbon barrel hogshead (6 yrs), Spain sherry butt (3 yrs) • 4, 2010, Scottish mainland organic, France Rivesaltes sweet red & white hogshead 1st fill • 3, 2010, Scottish mainland organic, France Rhone red hogshead 1st fill • 2, N/A, Scottish mainland, Spain sherry butt (10 yrs), USA bourbon barrel (1 yr) • 2, 2010, Scottish mainland organic, Spain Ribera del Duero Hogshead 1st fill • 1, 2010, Scottish mainland organic, Spain Ribera del Duero Hogshead 2nd fill The Classic Laddie retails for about $55. Would I buy this again? Yes. This whisky is the epitome of artisanality and transparency in terms of its contents. It’s 50% ABV, far above normal whisky bottlings (aside from uncommon cask strengths). A pleasure to drink, and very good value. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. 50% ABV. Batch 18/018 (bottled 2018). Non-chill filtered. No added coloring. N.B.: All spirts tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.