Is Knob Creek 100 an Overlooked Bourbon Expression?

Do you ever get overwhelmed with all the new bourbon and whiskey on the market that you forget to just pick up the quality bourbons from the major producers? Well, I know I do, so today I sit down with Knob Creek 100 for our 5th review of 30 bourbons in 30 days for Bourbon Heritage Month! Let’s dive in!

Just the Facts: Knob Creek 100 Proof

Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mashbill: non-disclosed
Proof: 100
Age: 4 plus years. Recently Knob Creek reintroduced a 9 year age statement
Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: Knob Creek 100 Proof

Nose: This is very sweet and rich on the nose. It starts off with brown sugar and molasses with a hint of lemon zest. Additional wood characteristics start to show once the pour sits for a while and opens with some barrel house must and leather notes.

Palate: This palate has a zing. It drinks bolder and richer than 100 proof. At first blush, its wood characteristics are balances by the traditional Jim Beam nuttiness. As you continue to drink, herbal tea with a zest of citrus round out that initial punch. As you dive a little bit deeper, notes of cocoa nibs give you a touch of bitterness that round out this pour.

Finish: Drying and woody.

Closing Thoughts:

Knob Creek has been continuing to push the boundaries, whether with their age stated 12, 15 or 18 Year releases or the new Bourbon x Rye, that you sometimes forget how good the 100 proof workhorse could be. I said it recently, and I will say it again, it’s time to revisit distillery workhorse bourbons and blind them for an upcoming episode.

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