Knob Creek Small Batch Secrets: Top Bourbon Revealed

The sound of a cork popping signals something special is about to be enjoyed. For bourbon aficionados, that satisfying "pop" often comes from a bottle of Knob Creek Small Batch bourbon, one of the most acclaimed whiskeys on the market today. In the following article, we'll explore the storied history, exacting production process, and complex flavour profile that makes Knob Creek stand out in the crowded bourbon category. Grab a glass and join us as we dive deep into this exceptional spirit.

Knob Creek Small Batch: A Legacy of Quality

History and Heritage

Knob Creek has an undeniably rich pedigree in the bourbon world. First introduced in 1992, it is one of the flagship brands of Jim Beam, the top-selling bourbon distillery in the world. The whiskey pays homage to the early days of bourbon making, as its name comes from the childhood home of Abraham Lincoln located near Knob Creek, Kentucky.

This region has historically produced some of the finest bourbon due to its natural limestone water sources and ideal climate for growing corn, wheat and rye - the key grains used in bourbon production. Knob Creek seeks to honour this proud Kentucky tradition by using carefully selected grains and employing traditional techniques handed down through generations of distillers.

The Distilling Process

Creating an exceptional bourbon like Knob Creek Small Batch requires meticulous attention to detail at every step:

• Grain Selection: Only the highest quality corn, rye and malted barley are chosen to create the optimal flavour profile.
• Mash Bill: The mash bill (or grain recipe) for Knob Creek is believed to be 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley. This provides a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
• Fermentation: The mash is fermented with a proprietary yeast strain to bring out complex fruit and floral notes.
• Ageing: After distillation, Knob Creek is aged for at least 9 years in new, charred American oak barrels. This extensive maturation amplifies the wood flavours and gives the bourbon its distinctive caramel and vanilla notes.
• Batching: Batches are carefully tasted and blended by Beam's master distillers before bottling to ensure consistency and quality every time.

Awards and Recognition

Crafted with meticulous care and boasting an exceptional taste, Knob Creek Small Batch has garnered numerous accolades over the years, solidifying its place as a premium bourbon:

• Best Bourbon at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2019, showcasing its excellence among competitors.
• Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2015.
• 96 points and an "Extraordinary" rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2018. 

Industry experts have also chimed in with their praise:

• "Rich, sweet, woody, full-bodied...the signature Beam nuttiness shines," says Fred Minnick, a renowned bourbon expert. 

Beyond these specific examples, Knob Creek Small Batch has consistently received critical acclaim, including numerous gold medals and top ratings from other renowned competitions and publications. This consistent recognition underscores its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. You can find further details and awards on the Knob Creek website and through online searches for reviews and accolades.

Tasting Knob Creek Small Batch: A Sensory Journey

Let's explore what makes sipping Knob Creek such an unforgettable sensory experience from the first whiff to the long, lingering finish:

Appearance

In the glass, Knob Creek Small Batch shows a deep amber colour with warm reddish hues. It has a nice viscosity and leaves wide streaks (or "legs") down the side of the glass when swirled.

Aroma

Breathe deep and enjoy notes of brown sugar, toasted oak, vanilla, caramel apples and orange zest. There's a touch of rye spice aroma that peeks through as well.

Palate

Take a sip and Knob Creek coats the palate with a buttery, viscous mouthfeel. Sweet flavours of maple syrup, pecans and dried fruit pass over the tongue. Mid-palate, a peppery rye spiciness kicks in to provide the perfect balance. It finishes long, with lingering notes of charred oak and walnuts.

Flavor Profile

The overall flavour profile is an ideal showcase of how spicy rye marries beautifully with sweet corn and vanilla oak barrel notes. There's tremendous depth and complexity packed into this 100-proof spirit.

Beyond the Neat Pour: Knob Creek Cocktails

While delightful sipped neat or on the rocks, let's explore how Knob Creek Small Batch also shines in cocktail recipes:

Old Fashioned

The classic cocktail perfectly highlights Knob Creek's oak and spice notes.

• 2 oz Knob Creek Small Batch
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 sugar cube
• Orange twist

Maple Old Fashioned (sweeter)

Maple syrup accentuates the bourbon's vanilla and caramel flavours.

• 2 oz Knob Creek Small Batch
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• Orange twist

Smoked Old Fashioned (smokier)

A dash of mezcal adds another layer of smoky depth.

• 2 oz Knob Creek Small Batch
• 1/4 oz mezcal
• 1 dash mole bitters
• Orange twist

The Verdict: Is Knob Creek Small Batch Worth It?

For a mid-shelf bourbon, Knob Creek Small Batch delivers tremendous value at around £33.99 a bottle. The quality is on par with many premium bourbons costing far more. Given its complex flavour profile, smooth drinkability and extensive honours, this is absolutely a bourbon worth trying for any whiskey lover. While taste preferences vary by individual, Knob Creek's depth, balance, and rich oak influence make a strong case for it being one of the finest pours in its class.

Conclusion

With its strong heritage, meticulous production and complex tasting experience, Knob Creek Small Batch represents a pinnacle of bourbon excellence. This is a spirit that respects tradition while standing out from the crowd. One sip makes it clear why it consistently earns such high acclaim. For bourbon enthusiasts or anyone looking to enjoy one of America's finest whiskeys, Knob Creek deserves a spot of honour on your bar cart. The next time you hear that satisfying "pop" of a cork, consider making it a bottle of this Kentucky classic. Your taste buds will thank you.