Knob Creek 12 Year Bourbon Whiskey

A little background

Knob Creek is distilled under the direction and supervision of master distiller Fred Noe. Fred is the son of legendary master distiller Booker Noe and is the grandson of Jim Beam. Knob Creek 12 Year was originally released in 2019 as a limited edition however in 2020 it became a regular release as part of the product line. This bourbon is distilled from a mash bill of 77% Corn, 13% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley, bottled at 100 Proof, and had a retail price of $59.95 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Caramel

Nose

Oak, floral and a tinge of spice really come in strong at first on the nose however with some air and time brown sugar, vanilla and a hint of nut begin to emerge.

Palate

Brown sugar immediately hits the front palate with a light mouth feel and not much viscosity. The brown sugar turns to toffee with some as it moves to the mid and back of the palate. Subtle hints of nut are faint but noticeable.

Finish

Burnt brown sugar with graham cracker really start the finish off strong. Oak and spice and a good heat that lingers in the chest that really last a while for a 100 proof whiskey. As the heat lingers aromas of vanilla and an aftertaste of brown sugar remind you to grab another sip.

In closing

I do enjoy Knob Creek 12 Year as a daily sipper and would definitely buy it again. For a 12 year whiskey at $60 dollars, the price point is not only fair but rather cheap. Most distilleries are charging $10 or more per year of age. As a whole this whiskey isn’t the bombshell that you pour up for special occasions but it will be that bottle that is reliable, easy to find, and an easy sipper for any occasion. I will say this drinks a bit hotter than 100 proof and the oak and spice on the finish can give more heat/burn than what some seek out as the “smoothness” of bourbon/whiskey. All in all , Knob Creek 12 Year is a safe buy, great value, with solid flavors!