Prominence of Knob Creek

[cowdery]

Freddy is probably just the face they are putting to Small Batch, which was launched in 1988 or thereabouts, when Freddy wasn't even in the picture. Beam's whiskey-making decisions are made in Kentucky, but the marketing decisions are made in Chicago (Deerfield, actually).

Booker's was the original, introduced in 1985, or thereabouts, as a Christmas present for Beam company business associates. It was well enough received that they started to sell it. I remember having my first taste at a bar in Louisville in the fall of 1987. The other three followed soon thereafter. Each is a little different. Booker's is 121 to 127 proof, unfiltered and 6-8 years old. Baker's is 107 proof and 7 years old. Knob Creek is 100 proof and 9 years old. Basil Hayden's is 80 proof and 8 years old.

Booker's, Baker's and Knob Creek are standard Beam mash bill (some disagree with this, but I'm confident I'm right). BH is the Old Grand-Dad mash bill, which has a higher percentage of rye and a consequently lower percentage of corn.

The main gripe against BH is its low proof, which despite its age leaves it tasting pretty blah. They position it as light-bodied, a good bourbon for scotch drinkers.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://cowdery.home.netcom.com>--Chuck Cowdery</A>

[Winslow]

Linn:
Found and just read your review of Knob Creek. I suppose I must see it your way since I enjoyed half a bottle's worth last
Sunday (little pig that I am!). What a way to spend a summer afternoon & evening. It was a hot one too. I also read your Kentucky Spirit review and do believe I'll get some...yes. I like WT 101 quite a bit. I think it has a very "buttery" finish and I can only imagine what Kentucky Spirit will be like.

Per Chucks reply, I think I'll stay away from Basil Hayden and try Booker's or Baker's for my next Beam brand. That low proof scares me. I tried a Wild Turkey 80 proof (small bottle) just for kicks. Not too good. I guess it would be OK with a mixer. Don't understand how the 101 proof actually seems smoother.

Regards,
Winslow

[Pill_Man]

>> Found and just read your review of Knob Creek. I suppose I must see it your way since I enjoyed half a bottle's worth last Sunday <<

After trying Knob Creek for the first time a few weeks ago, it easily knocked out Maker's Mark as my "house" Bourbon.

Also, shared a few glasses of Old Rip Van Winkle 15 years old with a friend, and found it to be a truley wonderful experience. I was a bit concerned as to the 107 proof, but it was as smooth as a baby's bottom.


Doug...
Ain't Life Grand?! ~
____________________ ~
(___&lt;&lt;M&gt;&gt;____________}}}

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Only half a bottle, Winslow? Over an entire Sunday? You Sir are the very soul of moderation. I'm glad you find my tastings helpful and I hope you enjoy reading them every bit as much as I did writting them!

Pants Away!

Linn Spencer

Have Shotglass. Will Travel.