Knob Creek Cask Strength Straight Rye (2018 Release)

Perfect amount of spicy and vanilla

Maine Trip

A low burn rye (which makes sense because this is probably 51% rye) with a Kentucky rye character - less spice, less grass, more smooth. I like this for it's creamy, milk chocolate notes, almost non-existent burn, and long, peppery, stinging finish. Some bright sweetness upfront that fades and transitions into creaminess with a burn tingle. Not super complex, but very drinkable. You could end up sipping on dangerous amounts of this before you notice how much you've had.

This reminds of mint chocolate peppermint bark on the nose. It has a malty and spicy quality with the rye coming through. It is full on the tongue with caramel and oak and a menthol finish.

Let sit for about a minute. 👀: Deep, dark amber with thin legs, thin tears present; 👃: Fresh baked cornbread, Cherry Coke influence, Baking spices at the end of the nose, smells of maturity, hints of vanilla; 👅: Almost can taste the fizzy Cherry Coke, Richness abounds along with waves of vanilla, spicy but disappears quickly; 🏁: Very rich and lingering, spiciness gives way to subtle hints of baking spices. Doesn't seem like a cask strength (at first sip).