Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye

As a rye hater, this would be a perfect starter to learn about rye. Spice balanced quickly by bourbon notes of light caramel/fruit

Nose- dusty white corn, cream soda, oak, and a hint of black pepper. There is also a signature Beam peanut odor to back it up. The nose is very inviting and balanced. Palate- It is tangy and crisp almost like apple cider would be. There is a touch of green apple, smokey oak, peanuts, and vanilla quickly then followed by pops of spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. I really had to search for caramel, but a few drops of water made that revealed in plenty. Warm baked bread along with some heat comes on at the end. It is a tad drying at that spot, and perhaps turns a little citrusy as it moves to down the hatch. Water seems to change the citrus taste, and really helps that from being too acidic. Finish- I go out on a bit of caraway seed and black licorice. It is longer and lingering. Not in a bad way, but in a way that really showcases the rye towards the end. Overall- this is a strong addition to the lineup, and a super bargain at its price point. It is the delicate tightrope of balancing the rye and bourbon that I was most impressed with. You get the bourbon first followed by an almost completely rye finish. The flavors for the bourbon and then the rye come in almost as if they were staged or arranged to be that way. Sweeter nuttier, vanilla flavors at the front and then spicy, citrusy, elements going out. I weigh it up though VS. Wild Turkey's batches of Forgiven. For me it doesn't hit that mark, but it really is a schooling in the power of Jim Beam whiskies when beautifully blended. At 44.99 it is a definite bottle to have fun with.