Knob creek

This is a mash bill consisting of 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley. One of the original four small batches that got it all (re)started for bourbon, created by Beam Suntory. The others being Booker's, Baker's and Basil Hayden's. 

The nose is full of spice and wood; some of which leads on the sweeter side, like cedar. There are earthy, sweet notes like honeysuckle that follow suit. 

The palate is packed full of flavors and a rich body keeps them around for a bit. Bit! In fact, similar notes to "Bit O'Honey' candy and butterscotch lead the way. The spicy traits of rye develop like hints of white pepper on the finish.

Bold is a great way to describe this bourbon. I don't believe it is overpowering. In fact, I think it would be a good entry for those experiencing higher proofs initially. Flavors are rich and distinct. Sweet, oily, and just the right amount of spice to make you want another sip. 

Bit O' Honey sprinkled in spice.

Placed in the barrel in 2001 and aged for 14 years.  These were barrels of bourbon originally put together by Booker Noe and eventually finished by Fred Noe, his son, and predecessor. A one time release with exceptional history and notes. 

The nose brings oak and vanilla to the forefront with hints of some baked spices to follow. 

The palate is creamy with notes of dried cherries, oak, and char that yields hints of smokiness that develops into bitter chocolate notes. 

Carrying on with the boldness of the traditional Knob Creek just fine tuning the notes. With this, there's a developed dried pit fruit note that is layered in some sweetness. To some this could be vanilla or butterscotch due to the creamy feel. To others it could be dark, bitter chocolate due to the smokiness coming from the charred oak. Either way, it finishes well. 

Dried fruit with dark, bitter chocolate notes. 

Placed in the barrel in 2001 and aged for 14 years.  These were barrels of bourbon originally put together by Booker Noe and eventually finished by Fred Noe, his son, and predecessor. A one time release with exceptional history and notes. 

The nose brings sweet caramel and vanilla upfront, almost in line to a Vanilla Coke. There's a bit of oak on the tail end. 

The palate has some dryness in it, oak. Not bad but its prevalent. There are some char notes, as well. But, there's hints of sweetness that bring along memories of toasted marshmallows. The creamy feel of the bourbon just adds to this. 

Bourbon should have a story. Some of these stories we will relate to more than to others. But, there's a story. We don't find this in a lot of other spirits. Bourbon its there. 

Here, there's a great story: a product started by a father and finished by a son...and, there's a bit of a campfire and toasted marshmallow feel going on. 

A nicely toasted marshmallow. 

Placed in the barrel in 2001 and aged for 14 years.  These were barrels of bourbon originally put together by Booker Noe and eventually finished by Fred Noe, his son, and predecessor. A one time release with exceptional history and notes. 

The nose is full of cinnamon spice and sweet notes, like brown sugar. The combination reminds me of a pie. Soon notes of apple begin to fill in and that is the pie note I'm smelling but with some dryness. So, an apple pecan pie with brown sugar and baked spices!! I'm excited. 

The palate follows suit and is delicious. Honey! Caramel! Spice! 

Some bourbon can bring about a sense of comfort and home. Sounds weird, I know. But, our memories are connected more to smells than anything else. For me, growing up in an agricultural area of Northern California there are so many profiles that match. 

Apples. Vanilla. Pecans. Baked crust. It's all here. 

Apple pecan pie.