A very pleasent surprise: Knob Creek Single Barrel (private selection)

[BootsOnTheGround]

Yes, the 120 proof, 9 yr one that claims it's both a "small batch" and a "single barrel" which is apparently "reserved." Aside from that nonsense, wow...

I've had standard KC before, but this barrel had to be one of the most vicious and buttery bourbons I think I've ever tried. Granted it was in a plastic cup, but it stuck to the sides of it like 10W-40.

It also "kicked" late in the mid palate after maybe 3-4 seconds, presumably because of the mouth was so heavy it delayed the alcohol.

I'd describe it as pancake syrup soaked graham crackers with a hint of smokey raw butter melted on top.

Complexity wise, it wasn't anything to write home to mom about. Fairly one-sided, but I'd really need some time with it in a proper glass, some H20 and air to be the final judge.

Beyond my expectations at $39.99. Something I'm used to passing by on the shelf all day, everyday until I just happened to ask for a sip one day on a whim.

Anyone else into this stuff??

[GaryT]

I've bought one bottle, which I liked well enough, but wasn't blown away by. But I have tried other private selections which were pretty awesome. Sounds like you got a good one though!

[Quantum]

I'd describe it as pancake syrup soaked graham crackers with a hint of smokey raw butter melted on top.

I like this description.

[T Comp]

I've had a couple excellent ones myself. Binny's has had some great picks and one that I really took a liking to was a cherry bomb.

[393foureyedfox]

Anyone else into this stuff??

yip. its like a 2 year older version of Booker's, at $10 less to boot!

Ive got 8 of em stashed, from that half price d/c sale at the local pharmacy last spring...and one more just given to me a few weeks ago at a party. im gonna say it again....the new label is rediculously cheap looking, wherreas the old print-on-bottle label was classy and visually appealing. someone should lose a job for that

[Paddy]

Agree, very underrated bourbon. I always have it available and prefer it over Stagg Jr (taste) and Booker's (price). The LB and Kroger barrel selects here are always very good.

[BootsOnTheGround]

Same mash as Booker's and nearly the same proof, yet the polar opposite taste profile. Nice work, Fred et al.

[393foureyedfox]

Same mash as Booker's and nearly the same proof, yet the polar opposite taste profile.

really? i find them more alike than dissimilar....which one is better depends on my mood that night

[BootsOnTheGround]

really? i find them more alike than dissimilar....which one is better depends on my mood that night

[jmj_203]

Yes, the 120 proof, 9 yr one that claims it's both a "small batch" and a "single barrel" which is apparently "reserved." Aside from that nonsense, wow...

I've had standard KC before, but this barrel had to be one of the most vicious and buttery bourbons I think I've ever tried. Granted it was in a plastic cup, but it stuck to the sides of it like 10W-40.

It also "kicked" late in the mid palate after maybe 3-4 seconds, presumably because of the mouth was so heavy it delayed the alcohol.

I'd describe it as pancake syrup soaked graham crackers with a hint of smokey raw butter melted on top.

Complexity wise, it wasn't anything to write home to mom about. Fairly one-sided, but I'd really need some time with it in a proper glass, some H20 and air to be the final judge.

Beyond my expectations at $39.99. Something I'm used to passing by on the shelf all day, everyday until I just happened to ask for a sip one day on a whim.

Anyone else into this stuff??

Edited July 9, 2014 by jmj_203

[callmeox]

There are a couple of threads in the archives here that mention Beam changing up the distilling and barreling proofs of the small batch collection. I'm too lazy to search on my phone, but the point is that KCSB may have come off the still or gone into the barrel differently than Bakers or Bookers.

[ModernThirst]

KCSB has always had the strongest Cinnamon red-hot finish of any bourbon I've ever tasted. I actually like it quite a bit.

[BootsOnTheGround]

In Pa they're very close price-wise, I think Booker's is $52 but last month on sale for $47, and KC Single Barrel Reserve is $46.99 but I haven't seen it on sale yet. Pretty much the same price here. If I see it on sale I will def gobble up a few bottles.

I'll have to pay more attention to the everyday prices on KCSB 120, too. This one was $40. It's a bit of a tough buy when they practically give Booker's away here for $31-35 on a fairly frequent basis.

[jmj_203]

I'll have to pay more attention to the everyday prices on KCSB 120, too. This one was $40. It's a bit of a tough buy when they practically give Booker's away here for $31-35 on a fairly frequent basis.

Thats tough to beat. Helps if you're also like me, and tend to find your Bourbon Sweet-Spot seems to be 6-12 years at 100+proof (depending on location obviously).

[amg]

I've seen KCSB as low as $34, but rarely see Booker's for less than $45. Different markets I guess.

[TunnelTiger]

You guys are just killing me. Two Bourbons that I took off my list after trying them a year ago were KCSB and Bookers.

This thread is going to force me to get a KCSB and a post by Squire in another concerning Bookers requires a purchase of it too.

All in the name of science of course.

[suntour]

try to get the 2013-6 batch of Booker's if you can. I really like it and find it to be kind of a summation of what a good bottle of Booker's is supposed to be like. Not too sweet, some spice, and lots of that nuttiness you find in some of the better Beam products (Baker's usually has this in spades).

[jeffrey r]

Yup, I am a big fan of the 2013-6 Booker's. It has more age on it than the typical Booker's around me, and is just a solid bourbon.

I happen to not be a fan of KCSB. I bought one bottle of a Fred Noe selected KCSB, and ended up blending it with regular KC to balance it out. Profile just doesn't do it for me. Different strokes for different folks.

Edited July 11, 2014 by jeffrey r

[squire]

Just to be clear TT the complementary post I made was regarding Bakers not Bookers.

[TunnelTiger]

Just to be clear TT the complementary post I made was regarding Bakers not Bookers.

[BootsOnTheGround]

You're gonna hate me, but a local LQ store chain does a groupon like thing a couple times per year so I have a couple -6 and -7 Roundtable's in the dugout for a whole $23 each. Ill take the -6 even at $50 over many barrel proofs out there at a similar age; ECBP, Willett, WTRB, etc. it's like chocolate hazelnut pudding laced with a little barrel aged Cholula. My apologies in advance, TT.

[TunnelTiger]

Damn BOTG I bet mine will be closer to $50, still in the name of science I will endeavor to persevere.

[BootsOnTheGround]

I'll have to keep my eye out for Baker's, too I guess. It's a typical gloss-over but I have seen them for $26-28 before. Hard to buy when OGD114 is low $20's and has all the Beamish I really need.

[thebwood]

Like many others, this thread really got me thinking. Why am I passing by a barrel proof Beam product all the time? I love the Beam house profile. I know it isn't as sexy to some on this site, but regular old Booker's is still one of my stand-by favorites. I also love the bold fire of Knob Creek. Its a nicely aged, consistent bourbon, and you can often find it for a pretty good price. The 120 proof single barrel should be a no brainer.

[393foureyedfox]

they practically give Booker's away here for $31-35 on a fairly frequent basis.

where the hell are you?!

here in KY, i was all giggly seeing it for $43 at Sams club last month