Knob Creek 12 Year Small Batch Bourbon

This is my first Knob Creek, so I don't carry the baggage of people who swear by barrel proof 15 year old store picks for less than this 12 year old that are no longer available. The Knob Creek 12 also finished #2 in the Whisky Advocate's top 20 and #1 for Breaking Bourbon, so I grabbed the last one at BevMo when I saw it (got $10 off too, so only $49!). For me, this is a perfect 100 proof that I honestly wouldn't want to be any stronger. It has a perfect amount of heavy vanilla, molasses and baking spices like a lighter Bookers, but it doesn't blast your taste buds or make it too short a drinking evening. The finish is the best part for me - a beautiful cherry note that is only present on the finish. It is my favorite part of this, but the whole thing is solid and well constructed. The last cherry note is like putting a fantastic ending on what was a up to that point just a really good movie. It sends you out on a high note and elevates the whole experience. I really like this, although at $60 it competes with Russell's Reserve SiB which is a tough matchup. But there will be a place for this on my cabinet. It's super solid but not a face melting 120 proof that I don't always want. It's like weekday Bookers that you can find anywhere (once the hype from the year end ratings dies down, anyway). What's not to like?

Smooth with vanilla and spice finish