Knob Creek 12 Year Small Batch Bourbon

Widely available 12-year old bourbons are increasingly uncommon, and Knob Creek 12-Year Small Batch bourbon has little everyday competition in that space. As a result, all else being equal, it is saddled with higher expectations than NAS bottlings. Clear teak color. Nose shows cherries, marzipan, nutmeg, cedar, and a pinch of muddled mint. The 100 proof comes across strong on the palate, buttressed with oak, finishing with some woody, somewhat bitter tannins, and lingering oak. I'm unaware of the char levels of Knob Creek's barrels, but I'd prefer a higher char to mitigate some of the woody tannins. This is not a sipper for me, and there are cheaper (and good) alternatives for a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Perhaps on the rocks on a hot summer day (which I never do anyway). Once gone, I won't be keeping this on one hand. N.B. All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Sweet Carmel vanilla cherry Spice cinnamon oak Medium finish

Well rounded, thick, caramel, vanilla, amaretto, cherry, a bit medicinal.