2019 Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Rye 115 Proof 750ml

From the famed warehouses of Clermont, Kentucky, comes a hand-selected rye whiskey showcasing Knob Creek's commitment to bold flavor. This 115-proof single barrel offers an uncompromised experience for the rye enthusiast, brimming with deep spice, rich caramel, and a long, satisfying finish. Each pour delivers a powerful testament to nearly seven years of careful maturation.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A vibrant and complex nose opens with classic rye spice – assertive black pepper, fresh dill, and spearmint, immediately followed by rich caramel and toasted vanilla from the oak. Hints of dried orange peel, baking chocolate, and a faint whisper of cherry add depth, suggesting a well-aged and robust spirit.

Palate: The palate delivers a powerful and full-bodied experience. The initial spice attack – a wave of fiery black pepper, clove, and cinnamon – is beautifully balanced by a creamy sweetness of brown sugar, butterscotch, and deep dark chocolate. A chewy texture reveals layers of toasted oak, dried fruit (raisin, fig), and a persistent herbaceous note of mint and anise, characteristic of a high-rye mash bill. The 115 proof is present but well-integrated, providing warmth without harshness.

Finish: The finish is remarkably long and satisfying. It lingers with a delightful interplay of warming rye spice, sweet oak char, and a lingering dark chocolate bitterness. A whisper of fresh leather and a faint menthol coolness emerge, leaving the palate clean but with a memorable, complex afterglow.