Episode 09: Knob Creek Straight Rye Review

A quick Friday review of Knob Creek Straight rye. I have had this bottle around, unopened for a while but with all the rye coming out in Canada I thought I better open it up and give it a chance. I do not know that much about Knob Creek rye, but I have enjoyed some of their other bourbon expressions. The distillery is part of Beam Suntory group and produced at the Jim Beam distillery. I have found various sites claiming to know the mashbill, but I do not have any official knowledge was what the gran mix is here. We do know it is aged a minimum of two years in charred new American oak barrels and has a minimum of 51% rye. Likely this is aged much longer and I would imagine it is in the 6 to 8 year mark.

On the nose I find this rye gives a light floral note, some sweetness of corn, and a hint of oak. On the palate it is spicy and the sweet notes continue to move toward caramel and vanilla, not fruit. The fruit I do pick up is muted and hard for me to pin point. The finish is medium length, nicely drying and warming. Here I can pick up more oak, which is common for me with whiskies aged in new oak.
I tried adding some water but was surprised that it did not open up the whisky more. I could definitely taste more fruit once added, I would say cherries or dark cherries. However, I quickly lost the pepper or spicy notes and also felt it became bitter. At 50% this is a strong whisky and I know many will want to try on ice or dilute it. Perhaps you will have better luck, but for me, this one shines when it is poured at full strength. I will also say the mouth feel is pleasantly coating and I found I lost that too when I watered down.

I really enjoy rye, but I also like bourbon and the way it can be full bodied and heavily woody in the finish. This rye leans a bit more toward bourbon then a full volume spicy rye bomb. I like it, and can think of nights or friends I would pour it with, but it will not displace my favourite rye this year. I can recommend it and suggest you give it a try if you like rye.

Knob Creek Straight Rye Rating:✮✮✮✮✰
Video Review Link: https://youtu.be/s4VkRRNHdNM

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