Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Knob Creek is a small-batch extension of the Jim Beam lineup, established back in the ’90s to give Beam fans a slightly more upscale alternative. The bourbons released under both labels are made in the same distilleries with the same mashbills, aged in the same barrels and rickhouses – but selected barrels are set aside and aged longer to become Knob Creek, released with age statements from nine to 18 years.
The Jim Beam Rye and the Knob Creek Straight Rye share a similar sibling relationship, but the Knob Creek Rye came along a little later. It didn’t appear for the first time until 2012. Now this year, for the first time, it comes with an age statement of its own: All the rye that goes into these bottles has aged at least seven years.
It hits a good price point, at less than $40 per bottle, and it will be widely accessible. If Beam even manages an okay offering with the Knob Creek 7, you’ll see it on a lot of bars nationwide.
Tasting Notes: the buy link
Vital stats: Mash bill undisclosed, but it’s a straight rye, which means that it’s at least 51% rye grass and aged in new oak; aged for a minimum of seven years; 50% alcohol by volume/100 proof; MSRP of $36.95 for a 750 ml bottle.
Appearance: Red amber; firm legs on the side of the glass.
Nose: I didn’t notice the usual spiciness of rye, or anything approaching rye bread. Instead, I discovered overripe brown bananas, coffee cake with a cinnamon-crumb topping, and almonds.
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Palate: Light on the rye spice; more a sweet whiskey than a peppery one. Vanilla, cinnamon spiced apples, brown sugar butter cookies. Fades quickly, with a gentle, honeyed finish.
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