On the nose is dark brown sugar, oak wood, cinnamon spice, vanilla, ginger, rye grain, barrel char, subtle smoke, dried orange peel, cracked leather and cherry lozenges. The aroma feels very dense and heavy, like it doesn’t want to leave the glass. - To the palate it is incredibly hot with a powerful flavour kick at that 60% ABV! Lots of oak, very astringent, drying on the palate with savory spices, cinnamon and black pepper before sticky brown sugar sweetness arrives with orange citrus oil and spicy ginger with a touch of rye spice. - The finish is long with dry oak, leather and tingling black pepper spice accompanied by a pleasant warmth and finally a whisp of smoky char on the exhale. — With water added the aromas open up revealing more sweetness. More approachable on the palate, showing that signature root beer flavour I usually associate with Knob Creek. Even more dry on the finish, more savory oak. —//— Bourbon Mark: 95 —//— Foolishly, I bottle killed the standard Knob Creek after my review weeks ago, but I did compare them back then. From memory, I find this one is more richly flavoured and intense. I really like it! I think this will replace standard Knob Creek for me.