Knob Creek Cask Strength Straight Rye (2018 Release)

Sweet, hot, delicious

This is the first cask strength American whisky I've had and only the second American rye that I've tasted, the first being Sazerac Straight Rye which was pretty darned good! I initially tried this straight up but found this to be way too hot at 60% ABV. After adding 1 tsp water for a 1.5 oz serving I am finally able to appreciate this fine rye. My nose isn't working very well tonight, totally congested but there seems to be a pleasant, sweet raisin bun-like smell. On the palate there's lots of caramelized sugar, along with a nice amount of pepper and some vanilla. The finish is sweet menthol and medium length. The flavour profile reminds me a great deal of the Knob Creek Small Batch, but with more pepper up front. Very curious to try the Knob Creek Small Batch Straight Rye just to see how it stacks up. Especially since it is a very respectable 50% ABV a costs less than half the price here (49$).

Char wood and alcohol, cereal grain in the mouth, with the rye spice and grassy mouth-tingle on the backside. With a little ice melt it rounds out and becomes a richer fuller grassy rye and cereal flavor. Sips well, would kill in an overproof Manhattan. Update: I can now confirm that, yes indeed, it rocks in a classic Manhattan. Really stands out at that cask proof. Rated 2d most exciting whiskey of 2018 by Whisky Advocate.

A small ice cube tames the alcohol and opens up the very pleasant, caramel forward flavor profile.

It's doable without water but a drop or two helps.