Reviews

Knob Creek 2001 Bourbon Review

Knob Creek 2001

The standard 9-year-old, 100 proof Knob Creek is a solid pour.  Then came its higher proof, single barrel brother.  That expression came in at 120 proof and proved to be much more than just “a little stronger”.  It’s packed with so much flavor.

So, when Jim Beam announced a limited edition, 14-year-old version of Knob Creek I couldn’t contain my excitement.  About 36,000 bottles (roughly 12,000 bottles per batch) of Knob Creek 2001 are being released, which isn’t a lot by any stretch of the imagination.  You’ll find three batches of Knob Creek 2001, each with a slightly different flavor profile.  Batch 1 favors the sweeter caramel and vanilla notes, while Batch 2 leans towards the oakier side of things.  In the middle of the two batches lies Batch 3.

Knob Creek 2001 has no inherent age statement on the label, but it is a 14-year-old bourbon distilled in 2001, hence the name.  Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe said this whiskey is just shy of being 15 years old.  This limited release carries an SRP of $130.

In an attempt to do something a little different, I’ve posted my first impressions of Knob Creek 2001 on Youtube.  You can watch that video below or jump past that for my full tasting notes.

For the most part, my first impressions were echoed in this separate tasting.  The nose has big notes of slightly burnt caramel, concentrated vanilla bean, honey roasted peanuts with hints of old leather jacket.  Old dusty oak is present the entire time but never overpowers.  The entry starts with an initial burst of sweetness provided by the caramel and vanilla combination.  A wave of spicy cinnamon sticks and cloves takes over the mid-palate alongside some Jim Beam nuttiness.  The smallest touch of burnt orange peel pops up afterwards.  That old, tannic oak found in the nose ramps up throughout the entire tasting experience, peaking at the dry finish.

Knob Creek 2001 feels richer and more refined than the standard offering, which seems a tad anemic next to this.  This is Batch 1, which is supposed to be the sweetest of the three batches.  As I said in the video, this batch is about as oak-heavy as I’d want Knob Creek to be.  Any more oak will throw the whiskey out of balance.  If I’m buying, I’d reach for Batch 1.  While not the best value for the price (Knob Creek Single Barrel carries that honor), Knob Creek 2001 is quite an enjoyable bourbon and comes with a recommendation.

8.5/10
(Note: A review sample was provided by the company behind this whisky free of charge.  The opinions written are my own.)

“A Glass Apart” – Book Review

A Glass Apart 2

With “A Glass Apart,” author Fionnán O’Connor hasn’t just given us a primer on Irish whiskey.  He provides a master class on the subject, and does so with the gravitas of a university professor and the tone of an everyday drinking man.

The book is even structured like a college textbook.  First, in the section entitled “Appreciation,” O’Connor talks about how to nose and taste whiskey without ever being a whiskey snob about it. O’Connor says, “If it’s a swelteringly hot day and you feel like having your Redbreast on the rocks, you’re not going to bring about the apocalypse.”  He tackles the flavors and aromas found in whiskey, and how those notes find themselves there.

A Glass Apart 1Then O’Connor explains whiskey production in a way that will teach whiskey newcomers a thing or two, but will also keep whiskey enthusiasts interested.  Grains, yeast, pot still shapes, types of barrels and other distillation processes are covered here.  Sometimes, he can get a bit geeky, and that’s okay by me.

O’Connor then gets into the big pot still whiskies, as well as the Cooley and Midleton Distilleries.  Accompanied by breathtakingly beautiful photos by Ove Grunnér, this section features flavor notes and histories for the big classic Irish post still whiskies like Redbreast expressions and Green Spot.

Speaking of history, a look at Irish whiskey’s past is given its proper due.  O’Connor recounts the glorious heights of the Irish whiskey industry, it’s unfortunate lowly period and it’s recent revival.  The book ends on a high note with a look at the companies and distilleries born in this new world-wide interest in Irish whiskey.

“A Glass Apart” belongs in the library of any serious whiskey enthusiast.  You think you know all about Irish whiskey until you read this book.  Then you realize just how much of an Irish whiskey novice you really are.

By the way, Mark Gillespie interviewed O’Connor on a recent episode of WhiskyCast.  It’s definitely worth a listen.

(Thanks to Images Publishing for the review copy.  Purchase your copy here.)

First Impressions: Knob Creek 2001

In my first Youtube video, I share my first impressions of the new Knob Creek 2001 limited edition bourbon from Jim Beam.  A full, detailed review will be up posted here in a few days.  Until then, enjoy and don’t judge too harshly – staring into a dark, soulless camera lens for the first time is a bit off-putting.