Whisky Review/Tasting: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Produced by Jim Beam, a renowned distillery with a rich history in bourbon production.
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Distillation & Maturation: The barrels for Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve are hand-selected, typically from the middle of the warehouse, which is considered the sweet spot for aging. The bourbon is aged for nine years, which is relatively long for a bourbon, contributing to its complexity and depth of flavor.
Age Statement: 9 years.
Color & Clarity: The whisky is described as having a dark color, even after the addition of water, indicating a significant interaction with the oak barrels during maturation.
Bottle Design: The bottle features a wax seal and a plastic cork. A notable design element is a little red dot, marking it as a bottle from the Jim Beam distillery.

Initial Impressions: The whisky is described as very complex, with a high alcohol content of 60% (120 proof), which can be perceived as harsh without water. The initial flavors identified are vanilla and a nutty character, specifically walnuts.
With Water: Adding water opens up the whisky, reducing the harshness of the alcohol and revealing additional flavors. The reviewer notes a dry feeling, dried fruit character, a different kind of fruitiness reminiscent of sour grapes, high percentage cacao chocolate, and a hint of leather.
Overall Balance: The Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve is characterized by its complexity and depth, with a balance of oak, dried fruits, nuttiness, and darker flavors like chocolate and leather.

The Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve is part of the premium range from Jim Beam, with barrels specially selected for their flavor profile. The selection process and the specific location within the warehouse where the barrels are aged contribute to the bourbon's unique characteristics.

As a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve carries the heritage and traditions of bourbon production in Kentucky, a state with a storied history in the American whiskey industry.

The reviewer appreciates the complexity of the Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve, noting that it is "definitely more complex than most of the bourbons you have."
It is recommended for those who have tried bourbons before and are looking for something more interesting, indicating that it may not be best suited for beginners due to its complexity and high alcohol content.

Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve is a 9-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a complex flavor profile.
It features a high alcohol content of 60%, with initial flavors of vanilla and walnuts, and additional notes of dried fruits, sour grapes, chocolate, and leather when water is added.
The bourbon is part of Jim Beam's premium range, with barrels selected for their specific flavor profile and aged in the sweet spot of the warehouse.
It is recommended for experienced bourbon drinkers looking for a more complex and interesting flavor profile.

For Bourbon Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for bourbon and its complexities will find the Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve particularly enjoyable.
For Adventurous Drinkers: Individuals looking to explore deeper, more nuanced flavors in whiskey will appreciate the complexity and depth of this bourbon.
Not Recommended for Beginners: Due to its high alcohol content and complex flavor profile, it may not be the best choice for those new to bourbon or whiskey in general.