Knob Creek 12 Year Small Batch Bourbon

Barrel selects still better but knob nutty

Spicy, vanilla, sweet

Knob Creek 12 YR Pours into the glencairn a nice mahogany. The age is definitely evident in the color. Clings nicely to the sides of the glass before forming skinny slow legs. NOSE: Heavy Oak/Barrel Spice. Sticky Burnt Sugar. Fall Spices-Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom. Dry Roast Peanuts. A little heat. Simple, but definitely Not Subtle. NEAT: WOW. A sledgehammer to the palate. An immediate Burst of Heat. Mouthfeel is Thick and Clingy. Much like the nose, Simple but far from Subtle. Lots of Oak. Heavy Vanilla, Karo Syrup, Tingly Black Pepper, and Cinnamon. A Medicinal Cherry along the sides of the tongue and cheeks. Long, Drying Finish with a deep KY Hug. Heavy Oak coating and layering on the palate. Drinks like a Barrel Proof. SPLASH: A little water adds Floral and Lemony Citrus notes to the nose. The Medicinal Cherry note becomes a little more prominent on the palate and the Heat is turned down a notch or two. The Oak takes on a more "Musty" quality. VERDICT: Is the 3 extra years over the newly released KC 9YR worth an extra $20? My first impression is YES. This is my favorite KC release to date. It straddles the line between oaky and astringent very well. I think I liked it a little more than the standard 9YR Single Barrel, and can understand now the love for some of their older store picks. This is just very good bourbon.

Sweet caramel nose, which I enjoy. Deep orange color. Mouthfeel is thick but dry. Nice lingering burn but not too spicy.

Smooth and sweet with a creamy finish

Vanilla, oaky, smooth on the tongue. Finishes easier than other Knobs, but still a longer finish than I'd like