Knob Creek Cask Strength Straight Rye (2018 Release)

I absolutely love this bottle. It’s simply my favorite Knob Creek expression…and it’s not particularly close. It has the heat and spice you’d hope for paired with a caramel and honey wash that lands perfectly. At times I pick up hints of cinnamon or pepper- but somehow maintains its sweetness in a way that leaves you clamoring for another pour.

It’s hard too call a $70 bottle a value, but at least in terms of the 2018 release, this drinks like a $200 bottle. Overwhelmingly rich and deep, it’s a bold & startling rye—personally, my favorite Knob Creek, period.

Nose: Great combination of dark chocolate, barrel character, baking spices, and herbs. Sugar and vanilla, too. Soft, simple fruits. Dill, though not a ton. The ethanol makes itself known, though maybe not as much as you'd expect for the proof. Dusty leather. A little granola with yogurt. Whipped cream with a little vanilla and orange blossom water. Honey and toasted grains in the background. Really enjoyable. Palate: Oak, vanilla, brown sugar. Chocolate covered strawberries, bananas, plums. Mint, dill, rosemary. Clove and nutmeg. Maybe a touch of allspice. Barrel char and tannin. Ethanol kick. Almsot getting a savory note - smoked salmon, teriyaki sauce, etc. Citrus oils. Well balanced overall, which can be an issue at the extreme ends of proof. Lights up the whole palate. Medium mouthfeel. Finish: Ethanol followed by berries, vanilla, and a little mint. Oak and char come in along with some tannin texture and brown sugar. Peaches and apricot pop into the center. Then things fade on mint, thyme, milk chocolate, and fruit. Medium-long length. Other notes: This stuff is a blast. Paired with very dark chocolate is a fun experience, but just as excellent on its own. Not something I'd use to introduce people to the Rye category, something Beam does very well. I'd love to see more explorations like this but alas, it's the hipster's category. Easy recommendation from me, and something I may try to find another bottle of to keep around a bit longer. Well done.

Rich and sweet. Toffee and fresh grass. Lots of flavour, but missing the vanilla and oak. Great on the nose and long finish.

Barreled in 2010. Medium amber in color, rye and toasted vanilla in the aroma. Flavor is a touch medicinal, with toasted oak, and cinnamon. A bit chewy.

Barreled in 2009, 119.6 proof. Tasted neat from a shot glass with a Kulture Ting's ( Green Bench Brewing) Pilsner handling the supporting role. Hey, we all have our weaknesses... "Wow, this is big" were my first thoughts when my wife brought this out for me. She'll do this to me from time to time; just grab a shot from a bottle in the cabinet and bring it out to me and ask me to guess what the hell I'm drinking. She's absolutely a keeper... This is a candy bar on the nose. Sweet with not as much fruit as I expected from a rye. This is all nougat and caramel and milk chocolate. There's a hint of cherries. The nose is absolutely spectacular. On the palate this is definitely serious business. It's 120 proof and drinks like it is. Cinnamon red hots, ginger, allspice, apples, maple, it's all there. This is a barely legal rye? That's just a guess, I haven't looked up the mash bill. It tastes more bourbon than rye to me. Regardless this is a powerhouse. Super tasty if just a bit over the top. Recommended for the adventurous at heart.