I got this one because I liked the two permanent Knob Creek rye releases. In fact, I like all of the KC releases I come across, so I figured I couldn’t go wrong here. Nose: Toasted almond, cashew, and hazelnut. Vanilla and caramel. Dried apricot and golden raisin. Bready, yeasty notes. Black pepper, rye, clove, nutmeg, and oak spice. Palate: The yeasty, bready notes appear first. A healthy does of peppercorn, black tea, and pipe smoke. Pistachio and toasted almond. Candied orange/orange citrus. Cinnamon Apple Jacks. Peach tea. Black pepper, rye, clove, nutmeg, and oak spice. Finish: Cinnamon Apple Jacks. Orange citrus. Toasted almond and pistachio. Peppercorn, black tea, and pipe smoke. Black pepper, rye, clove, nutmeg, and oak spice. Long finish. Not cask strength long, but definitely on the upper end of the spectrum. This was a fun whiskey. It’s essentially the standard Knob Creek Rye but with a touch extra barrel char. With I think is all that the original whiskey, a solid bottling in its own right, was missing. I’m glad I grabbed this. This definitely won’t be shaking up the bourbon game. If fact, with the benefit of hindsight, I can say that it absolutely did not, otherwise they would’ve made more. But it was a fine idea for a one-off. The Beam-rye profile is just rock solid. I’m settling on a 4.25/5 for this. Another win for the KC line.