Cigar Spirits: Knob Creek Single Barrel

I’ve always been a fan of Knob Creek. I recall my father picking up a bottle at some point when I was in college, and I remember it tasting far better than the Jim Beam I had grown accustomed to drinking at school. (Coincidentally, Beam makes Knob Creek along with other small batch bourbons that I’ve come to enjoy, including Booker’s and Baker’s.)

But I didn’t realize Knob Creek came in a Single Barrel edition until a friend recently bought me a bottle. (He owed me after he polished off most of a bottle of my Baker’s.) Sure enough, late last year Knob Creek came out with its first single barrel Knob Creek.

It’s the first expansion to the Knob Creek line since the brand debuted in the early nineties, and not only is it single barrel, its bottled at barrel strength (120-proof). While Single Barrel is a bit more expensive than the original Knob Creek expression at $40, you get more bang for your buck at a higher proof, plus each bottle takes on its own character because the liquid contents only come from a single barrel.

The Knob Creek Single Barrel has a deep amber color. The nose features oak, orange peel, vanilla, and spice. The initial flavor is toasted corn, burnt orange peel, vanilla, and an abundance of cedar. Also evident is a rich smokiness and hints of mint. The finish lingers with toasted notes.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the Knob Creek Single Barrel. The spirit is deep and intense yet balanced and rounded, which is impressive given its significant alcohol content. And it’s also only $8-10 more than the original Knob Small Batch, which makes a no-brainer in my book.

Not surprisingly, it’s a dream to pair with a fine cigar. Enjoy it with a medium- to full-bodied smoke with similarly balanced and rounded flavors. I can attest that the La Flor Dominicana Cameroon Cabinet, PG 15th Anniversary, and Don Pepin’s My Father all hit the mark.

Taking price into account, I may have just found a new favorite bourbon (it’s certainly in the top three) which brings me to my only two regrets about this spirit: First, that it took me over six months to try it. And second, that since I took the above photo, the level of bourbon in my bottle has dropped significantly, so I’ll soon have to pick up another.

-Patrick S

photo credits: Stogie Guys