Just tried Knob Creek, Is Knob Creek SB worth the extra cost?

[Mr. Bourbon]

So I finally got my hands on some Knob Creek, My brother picked me up two bottles. Which cost $50 each.

It's pretty good stuff, This is my first tasting of a Whisky over 90proof.

The SB version is $60. Is the SB version actually worth the extra $10?

$50 for the regular Knob Creek is expensive, But If I enjoy it I don't mind paying the price.

[Paddy]

Based on previous discussions here, I think that the consensus would be yes.

Speaking for myself, I always select the SB over the standard KC, as I'm getting what is essentially a barrel proof bourbon at a non-barrel proof price point. Here in Ky, the KCSB generally can usually be found for $10-15 less than Booker's.

[MauiSon]

I bought some bottles of KCSB at close-out, under $30 ea. I tasted one and thought,'Oops, that tastes like high-proof Beam Black (8yo).' After a few more pours (and weeks of air-time), I get it - it's sweet and rich and tasty with a helping of oak on the finish. Still have to see how it holds up throughout the bottle.

[T Comp]

Bourbon 101, Mr. Bourbon :grin: http://chuckcowdery.blogspot.com/2011/02/we-like-single-barrel-bourbons-heres.html

[Mr. Bourbon]

Bourbon 101, Mr. Bourbon :grin: http://chuckcowdery.blogspot.com/2011/02/we-like-single-barrel-bourbons-heres.html

That's a great read, Thanks!

[flahute]

So I finally got my hands on some Knob Creek, My brother picked me up two bottles. Which cost $50 each.

It's pretty good stuff, This is my first tasting of a Whisky over 90proof.

The SB version is $60. Is the SB version actually worth the extra $10?

$50 for the regular Knob Creek is expensive, But If I enjoy it I don't mind paying the price.

To my taste buds, the answer is resoundingly "Yes".

Standard Knob Creek just does not do it for me. The Single Barrel, however, is one of my clear favorites. Very much worth the up charge.

[corpse_welder]

For my money, yes it is. I enjoy both versions, but for only $10 more the single barrel is fantastic

[squire]

Good read Thad, I think Chuck's got a good grasp on the subject. I beg to differ with him slightly because I think Evan Williams was the first to offer a SB based on an existing brand platform but that certainly doesn't take away anything from Knob Creek Single Barrel.

[Flyfish]

To my taste buds, the answer is resoundingly "Yes".

Standard Knob Creek just does not do it for me. The Single Barrel, however, is one of my clear favorites. Very much worth the up charge.

I agree with half of this. KC does do it for me. KCSB just does it even better and at $36 in KY it is a value pour.

[mbroo5880i]

Based on previous discussions here, I think that the consensus would be yes.

Speaking for myself, I always select the SB over the standard KC, as I'm getting what is essentially a barrel proof bourbon at a non-barrel proof price point. Here in Ky, the KCSB generally can usually be found for $10-15 less than Booker's.

I agree. I would also add that there is really only one way for you to find out if you think it is worth the extra $10. Buy a bottle and try it!

[TunnelTiger]

Agree 100%. Started the day with some KCSB in me coffee and now just sipping on it, very enjoyable.

[amg]

Well, if you diluted it to 100 proof you'd have more than 20% more whiskey for just 20% more money, so the math works out.

[PaulO]

If you like regular KC, then yes to KCSB. Early on, I got one that tasted like a high proof JB Black. I thought this was quite good. Later I got one with a strong cinnamon taste. Most of the others have been more close to regular KC profile. It's single barrel, so there can be some variation. Sometimes a retailer has a barrel number on the label. More often, there's no barrel number.

[Mr. Bourbon]

Thanks for the comments guys.

After drinking about 1/4 of my first bottle of KB I think it's an ok Bourbon. But it somehow reminds me a lot of the JBW and JBB profile with some more heat. I think I may prefer Buffalo Trace, Which is actually $14 cheaper here.

Maybe I am just getting sick of the JB signature taste? Every Jim Beam product I have tastes pretty much the same to me...Same mash bill I guess.

Maybe once I get down to half a bottle I will enjoy it more.

But I will surely go for the KCSB next time to try that out.

[fusion210]

My one and only KCSB was the only KC I've tried. It had some really great flavors but was full of char. Just heavy, heavy char. Like someone emptied the barrel, opened it up, and scraped everything off of the sides and threw it in. I'm open to trying more KC but after paying nearly $50 for a bottle I won't by buying Knob Creek Single Barrel Small Batch Reserve Aged 9 Years so many words again.

Unless it's not normally like that, really could have just been that barrel. Is this normal or was mine freakish?

[amg]

My one and only KCSB was the only KC I've tried. It had some really great flavors but was full of char. Just heavy, heavy char. Like someone emptied the barrel, opened it up, and scraped everything off of the sides and threw it in. I'm open to trying more KC but after paying nearly $50 for a bottle I won't by buying Knob Creek Single Barrel Small Batch Reserve Aged 9 Years so many words again.

Unless it's not normally like that, really could have just been that barrel. Is this normal or was mine freakish?

I do find KCSB to be woodier than standard KC, but I don't know if I'd describe it like that. You may have gotten an extra special barrel of it.

[393foureyedfox]

I like 'em both, but find them different enough that if Im in the mood for one, Im not in the mood for the other. Ive never had a KC bottle here at home, but I sometimes get it while out and see it on the bar. I have at least 8 of the old label KCSBs in the garage though, from an $18 each inventory clear-out at a local pharmacy a few years ago. Regardless, $36 (KY price at least), is a stupid-good value for a 9 year practically-barrel-proof bourbon.

[jaycamm]

I would like to reiterate how great of a value KCSB is. Can you imagine the price that an NDP or another distiller would charge for a 9yr 120 proof offering? Heck a 9yr Willett would run you close to 100, and Btac Handy?

[Mr. Bourbon]

I would like to reiterate how great of a value KCSB is. Can you imagine the price that an NDP or another distiller would charge for a 9yr 120 proof offering? Heck a 9yr Willett would run you close to 100, and Btac Handy?

Edited December 8, 2014 by Mr. Bourbon

[flahute]

My one and only KCSB was the only KC I've tried. It had some really great flavors but was full of char. Just heavy, heavy char. Like someone emptied the barrel, opened it up, and scraped everything off of the sides and threw it in. I'm open to trying more KC but after paying nearly $50 for a bottle I won't by buying Knob Creek Single Barrel Small Batch Reserve Aged 9 Years so many words again.

Unless it's not normally like that, really could have just been that barrel. Is this normal or was mine freakish?

I think you got a whacky bottle (barrel). I do tend to pick up barrel char in certain Beam products such as this one, Baker's, Bookers, and OGD 114. But nothing to the extent to which you describe. Did you have just a single pour or was this a whole bottle you owned?

[jaycamm]

My one and only KCSB was the only KC I've tried. It had some really great flavors but was full of char. Just heavy, heavy char. Like someone emptied the barrel, opened it up, and scraped everything off of the sides and threw it in. I'm open to trying more KC but after paying nearly $50 for a bottle I won't by buying Knob Creek Single Barrel Small Batch Reserve Aged 9 Years so many words again.

Unless it's not normally like that, really could have just been that barrel. Is this normal or was mine freakish?

I think you should find a retailer with a store selection of KCSB. They will usually have an open bottle for you to sample before you buy.

[TunnelTiger]

I think you should find a retailer with a store selection of KCSB. They will usually have an open bottle for you to sample before you buy.

Can't speak for N.C. but in Ga, Al, SC, & Tn you can't open a bottle on premises.

Now before you get to shocked it wasn't that many years ago you could buy it in most counties period and has only been offered by the drink in reasturants within the last 10 yrs

[gburger]

I like the SB much better also, I'm paying under $40 for it in Texas

[bjbronwyn]

Personally I prefer the smlb over the single barrel. This is only based on one bottle however, but Ive always preferred lower proof and generally found too much of the barrel oak flavor in most sbs.

[JDSmith619]

I have a couple store select KCSBs that I would put up against more expensive, similar pours and believe the KCSB would win.