BOTM 8/11: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve

[Brisko]

All else being equal, do you guys prefer KCSB or Booker's? The reason I ask is that both are on sale near me but I'll probably only be buying one or the other.

[Lost Pollito]

All else being equal, do you guys prefer KCSB or Booker's? The reason I ask is that both are on sale near me but I'll probably only be buying one or the other.

I prefer the KCSB.

[JayMonster]

All else being equal, do you guys prefer KCSB or Booker's? The reason I ask is that both are on sale near me but I'll probably only be buying one or the other.

I also prefer the KCSB. The Bookers had a syrupy quality that I didn't care for and was the first product that I noticed the famed Beam "yeasty" taste that I had previously never noticed myself. The $18 or so price difference only help further tip the scales in favor of KCSB.

[dbk]

Personally, I prefer the Booker's over the KCSB, but the preference is slight. I've tasted the two along with Baker's head to head (to head) and found that the similarities among them really overwhelmed their differences. That said, Booker's has a wonderful caramel, chocolate, and peanut combination that really reminds me of a tasty candy bar, and that's why I prefer it to the others.

[Brisko]

Thanks, guys.

--Matt

[Brisko]

Finallly got a chance to try KCSB last night alongside Booker's. I think dbk's notes are very good, especially with regard to Booker's and Baker's.

To echo what Gary and maybe some others said about KCSB: wow, it's all Beam. I don't mind the Beam funk like some do but I have to say I was surprised because this bottle at least is a fair departure from regular Knob in that respect. I think it was Parkersback who compared it to Beam Black at barrel strength and I can't disagree. Big flavors, pleasantly drying, unfortunately a little hot to drink neat but takes water and ice well. All in all a solid pour. And the price I paid is about equivalent to what I would normally pay for regular KC so I have zero regret on this one. Of course as an SB I'm sure the next bottle could be significantly different.

The Booker's, on the other hand, was superb. Easily drinkable neat even at 128 proof and change. Without writing a book I would say it reminded me of Baker's on steroids, with a little bit more depth and less peanut brittle, and a lot more fresh ground pepper. Wonderful stuff.

[straightwhiskeyruffneck]

Beam didnt discontinue booker's did they?

[Kyjd75]

Beam didnt discontinue booker's did they?

No, it is still very much available, and for me continues to be one of the best bourbons out there. I may be weird, but I love the taste of Bookers!!