Knob Creek Rye – Review

Knob Creek Small Batch Rye Whiskey

100 Proof

Price Point: $35 – $45 for 750 ML

Distiller: Knob Creek Distillery

Background

Rye whiskeys are interesting.  In my mind, they are like the little brother to bourbon.  I enjoy drinking bourbon much more, but rye is okay once in a while to change things up.

Knob Creek Rye combines the best of both worlds.  This whiskey comes from a strong lineage of bourbons (Jim Beam products), while retaining some of the key characteristics of a small batch rye.

Review

This nose is strong at 100 proof!  You must breathe in slowly to enjoy the aromas of Knob Creek Rye.  There’s rich fruit (apples, pears, etc.), warm cinnamon and a touch of caramel.  To contrast the sweetness, it’s a little bitter on the back-end – as a good rye should be.

The taste is a little more standard than the nose, although this stuff is more akin to a bourbon than a rye at first taste.  The oak comes in big here making Knob Creek Rye very pleasant in the mouth.

A long and warming finish on this one.  It’s sweet; less bitter than most Beam products.

Rating & Recommendations

I do enjoy Knob Creek Rye, which is why I will give it an 83 out of 100.

Despite my preference of bourbons over ryes, I prefer (if only by a little bit) Knob Creek Rye to the single barrel expression.

-Ryan