Just the Sip reviews are a more simplified version of the existing scoresheet format with the goal of reviewing more spirits, such as samples, barrel picks, and others that may be more difficult to do full reviews on. Both scoresheet and review formats will exist and be regularly posted. Learn more here.

Today we’re looking at a Knob Creek Single Barrel pick selected by t8ke. It was available to register for purchase in 2021 after being selected in late 2020. As with most modern Knob Creek Single Barrel selections, it comes in at 9 years old with some change. I already sung high praise for a recently killed shelfer, so let’s see how this fares. Barrel details are as follows:

Barrel #123220, Warehouse 1, Floor 5, Rick 5, barreled 5/24/2011, selected 12/10/2020

Nose: Brown sugar, candied almonds, heath cookies, orange peel

Balanced, Dusty, Bright

Palate: Cherry, dark brown sugar, orange cream, nutmeg

Sweet, Earthy, Syrupy

Finish: Salted toffee, pepper, oak, tobacco

Full, Dry, Long

Although Jim Beam is commonly associated with a ubiquitous nutty flavor profile (Jim Beam White, Knob Creek Small Batch), I usually prefer their bottlings that lean into the sweeter end of that spectrum (Knob Creek Single Barrel, Hardin’s Creek) or seem to straddle the line (Baker’s Single Barrel). Setting the relatively tame degree of nuttiness aside, this pick feels like an ideal snapshot of contemporary Knob Creek Single Barrel. The overall experience is well balanced with a pleasant upfront sweetness that treads fruity territory before the dry oak notes kick in and leave a nice, warming sensation that Kentucky hug fans will enjoy. It’s not quite as rich as my favorite Knob Creek Single Barrels, but this remains a rock-solid bourbon that checks most of the essential boxes for a great barrel selection.