Knob Creek Cask Strength Straight Rye (Batch 2)

Lovely amber hue. First in the glass a nice waft of rye spice and brown sugar - signature Knob Creek Rye. One of my favorite tues this far was a 115 proof store pick. Funky and hot. Signature brown sugar, buttery sticky buns, red hot candies and heat…. But the funk is almost off-putting, sort of like lemon dish soap. With time a good dose of mint, leather and cherry comes out as the funk breaks up. Chinese five spice. Peanut shells. Blood orange. Creosote. Ash? And with that I no longer have nose hair thanks to the ethanol singe…. sorry but it’s true. Ok, so this one takes time. Let it breathe and the rewards are there. Still almost frighteningly spicy, oaky and hot but that brown sugar is always there to tie it together. BOOM! Vanilla, oak, lemon, mint, buttered toast… lots of heat… cherries, candy cigarettes, floral notes, red hot candies… more oak and allspice with a bit of nutmeg, browned butter and baking vanilla into the finish. I will say that the finish isn’t my favorite. It’s a bit bitter and tannic compared to the lower proof KC rye. What about water… no change on the nose. Mouthfeel becomes much more silky and the floral and herbal notes come out right away. This is liquid potpourri. I definitely prefer the palate more with some H2O added. Also elevated the finish to showcase more of the oak, mint, eucalyptus and cinnamon candies. This is the louder, more reckless but possibly fancier KC rye and doesn’t try to please anyone with an abundance of sweetness. There are some points where this reminds me of George T Stagg, for better or worse. It has some bitter character, is hot as hell and isn’t for everyone. Drinking it makes me sort of angry, but in a good way? Anyway, thanks to @pkingmartin for the sample! I’m strongly considering adding a bottle to my collection with the understanding that not many people will drink it with me unless they are also already drunk and angry.

Excellent punch to the face with rye way up front.

My new go to high proof Rye!! Enjoying this neat in a glencairn!!

Age statement ❌ 50% abv or more ✅ Long finish ✅ $50 or less ❌ Buy again ✅ It's good not amazing, a little hot. I preferred it blind over Knob Creek Rye 115 single barrel, which I also enjoyed.