Jim Beam had no shortage of new products to entice drinkers between 2019 and 2020. On top of several permanent and limited bourbon releases, the Clermont-based distillery also brought a slew of rye whiskey releases under the Knob Creek and Old Overholt labels. In the case of Knob Creek, consumers had their choice between Twice Barreled Rye and a pair of cask strength ryes. The first of these high proof bottlings released in 2019 to near-universal acclaim, followed up by a second, higher proof batch in 2020. These were also the first limited Knob Creek ryes.

Curiously, Jim Beam hasn’t done much in the way of rye whiskey since Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye Batch 2 hit shelves. The only recent development I’m aware of is adding a 7-year age statement to the standard 100 proof Knob Creek Rye. On one hand, this is undoubtedly a welcome change that ensures consistency for the Knob Creek brand by making sure each bourbon and rye release is age-stated. At the same time (and I hate admitting this), it probably doesn’t generate as much interest as limited ryes with higher bottling strengths and/or even higher age statements.

Considering how Jim Beam made Knob Creek 12-Year a permanent addition with the 15-Year being a recurring release and 2022’s 18-Year being a highlight, it’s interesting that they haven’t recently pursued something similar in the rye whiskey space. This goes doubly so when considering the legendary status of Booker’s Rye. Regardless, I found a bottle of the cask strength rye batch 2 sitting at a local store well over a year ago and have slowly worked my way through it. Although the bottle lacks an age statement, we can deduce between the barreling and release dates that it’s roughly 8-9 years old. Does it scratch that quality, Kentucky rye itch that I’m occasionally a sucker for?

Nose: Subtly fragrant, almost like potpourri. Caramel corn, almond butter, and hints of lemon meringue. Surprisingly creamy and mellow for such a high-proof rye whiskey; comes across like Reese’s if they used almond butter. Brown sugar, buttery croissant, and a discrete layer of pesto oil.

Palate: The nose masks this beast well. Comes on strong with cherry, vanilla, and lime candy flavor, all bolstered by brown sugar and sticky toffee. This richness is followed by an immediate hit of red pepper flake, then more traditional black pepper while a slightly tart lemon flavor plays nicely with the rye spice.

Finish: Leads with light brown sugar and almond butter before baking spices like cinnamon and clove enter the fray, along with pepper spice and a bit of barrel char for good measure. It’s here that the age becomes more apparent, but instead of being tannic, it manifests as caramel and warm, lingering honey. This is remarkably well balanced.

Add this to my expanding list of slow burn pours. Several whiskeys that exceed 60% ABV feel overblown to my palate, and Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye Batch 2 absolutely exemplified that for the longest time. Being a rye-based American spirit certainly wasn’t smoothing things along, either. Adding water is a natural next step, and while it can make the experience more palatable, my thoughts often remain the same. In the case of this particular Knob Creek release, it boiled down to dry, citrus-heavy, and nut-laden notes with a surprisingly yeasty presence. This paired awkwardly with the high proof point, leaving me more conflicted than anything while sipping.

Then things took an interesting turn.

Perhaps it’s my anticipation of Fall and longing for less humid weather, but the nose finally opened up with a potpourri characteristic while the combination of citrus, nut, and grain felt complementary with a buttery backbone to boot. The flavors lighten up a bit for the finish, but the overall richness remains intact while showcasing more oaky notes. Some of my favorite pours showcase their barrel influence without tasting bitter or tannic, and the finish on Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye Batch 2 achieves this in spades. Altogether, this proved to be a sleeper of a release that I’m somewhat surprised hasn’t received any sort of follow-up from Beam. But with how limited releases are in the current bourbon and rye market, perhaps that’s for the best.