Knob Creek Best Bourbon of 2015

[Golzee]

Wondering how everyone feels about Knob Creek being named the "Best Bourbon" of 2015 by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Personally, I am a big fan of Knob Creek, it routinely hits on all cylinders for me while not being overpowering in any one area. Too me, it has a good proof point, solid age, taste, and also, it is available most everywhere, which is refreshing in the bourbon world.

[Paddy]

I'm a fan as well and agree on all points made. I have nothing negative to say about KC, other than I like it better in its 120 proof SB version.

[CorvallisCracker]

How could any bourbon be the "Best of 2015"? 2015 isn't over yet!

[BigBoldBully]

Truly, winning such a competition seems to bear little correlation to the merits of the entry, and there are plenty of reports and studies supporting this conclusion. It may be even worse than wine ratings.

[Red One]

Works for me. I've probably drank more KC over the past year than any other. Picking up a bottle of the SB this week to take on vacation next week.

[Tucker]

Depends on which of the other distillers, NDPs, or even retailers (they can submit their own barrel selections) paid the $475 per label to enter. Competition list?

[Golzee]

I understand that this medal means little to nothing in the grand scheme of things , and that 2015 has really only begun. As for the competitor list, I will post a link below. I browsed through it and KC did beat some heavy hitters. Also, as far as ratings go, I am all in. Having spent the past 5 years smoking a lot of cigars at a local brick and mortar, I found that Cigar Aficionado's ratings were for the most part pretty close to what the cigar offered. I am not sure if the San Francisco World Spirits competition is a good indicator of quality or taste of a bourbon, but, at least it is something.

http://sfspiritscomp.com/results/browse

[BigBoldBully]

Sometimes I wish we had a rating system on here, like the ones commonly found on beer sites, so we could put a number to our collective opinions. I am sure it would be infinitely more useful than the current hodgepodge of awards and medals producers like to tout. But overall I am more thankful that we avoid assigning numbers, as people would soon start obsessing over them and going on quests to try the "top ten" or whatever.

I totally get the desire for some guidance as to what is good or bad. Personally, I used to go by "what does John know?" until I realized our tastes are very different (he seems to really enjoy stuff that is heavily filtered and delicate, whereas I am more likely to prefer what he views as big, bold, and bullying--hence my moniker). The best may be if you can make a short list of what you think is great and lousy and try to match it to the preferences of a very experienced bourbon enthusiast.

[dcbt]

While I do enjoy Knob Creek, these awards are hard to take seriously. I feel like every bourbon under the sun has won some award or another.

And being named best bourbon of 2015 in April reminds me of TMQ's Unified Field Theory of the Creep if anyone here reads his column on ESPN Page 2.

[GaryT]

I like KC well enough, but I'd be lying if I said there weren't several other bottles I'd take over it (thinking Bookers, FRSB). But for the money, it is a very respectable bourbon, and my "go to" when drinking out, as it seems to be available at most watering holes.

[pellidon]

Wouldn't it be the best of 2006? Given its age? LOL.

[DonutsNBourbon]

just bought a bottle of KC the other day since it was on sale at binny's for $25. I have the KCSB and on the first pour I thought it was awesome, subsequent pours I feel it's a bit too hot for me though. but reg KC is pretty reliable for me.

[smokinjoe]

Medals, Awards, "Best of..", etc., are a dime a dozen. Knob Creek a winner, here? Hell, why not...

Seen plenty worse picks. And, KC is a dang fine whiskey.

[393foureyedfox]

to pick a bourbon that appeals to the widest possible range of bourbon drinkers, it probably would be hard to top KC. Proofed right, aged right, selected right, priced right, and available damn near everywhere.....

[chooch714]

I find no fault in KC. But how can it be bourbon of the year when it hasn't been bourbon of the month in 2015?

[Golzee]

But how can it be bourbon of the year when it hasn't been bourbon of the month in 2015?

I second this motion.

[kallaskander]

Hi there,

I am new to this forum and live in Germany. Bourbon is only occasionally my whisky of choice. When it is it must be good - of course :cool:.

I asked a question about a European (?) NAS version of Knob Creek in another forum and was pointed here.

http://www.whiskywhiskywhisky.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=268&t=8569

this thread might not be the right place to ask the question but as it is about Knob Creek being considered

one of those best whiskies by someone I wonder what it is with this NAS version.

Any guesses or information about this one... apart from the question what it will mean for Knob Creek's future in general

if Beam would decide to go NAS with it.

Thank you.

Greetings

kallaskander

[Mr. Bourbon]

Hi there,

I am new to this forum and live in Germany. Bourbon is only occasionally my whisky of choice. When it is it must be good - of course :cool:.

I asked a question about a European (?) NAS version of Knob Creek in another forum and was pointed here.

http://www.whiskywhiskywhisky.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=268&t=8569

this thread might not be the right place to ask the question but as it is about Knob Creek being considered

one of those best whiskies by someone I wonder what it is with this NAS version.

Any guesses or information about this one... apart from the question what it will mean for Knob Creek's future in general

if Beam would decide to go NAS with it.

Thank you.

Greetings

kallaskander

The easiest and most accurate way to find out is to send email Jim Beam and ask your question. I asked a few questions and I got a reply pretty fast.

[Flyfish]

I've been a fan of KC since the early '90s. There are two handles of the regular and two bottles of the SB in my cabinet. But, honestly, KC is not the best bourbon in my liquor cabinet let alone the world.

[squire]

Hello kallaskander, welcome aboard. I'm not acquainted with the European version of Knob Creek so cannot comment, perhaps Beam could provide some information.

[Spade]

I recall feeling sort of overwhelmed by trying to make sense of these awards when I first got interested in whiskey. I was in a liquor store once that had gone overboard in putting little pieces of paper exclaiming thinks like "Best whiskey of the year!" and "97 points!" for practically every bottle on the shelf. I decided more or less at that moment I was going to ignore awards and just start drinking what I like. I agree that the collective wisdom here is pretty accurate and more informative than these sorts of things — not sure if I would have picked up a bottle of OGD 114 if it weren't held in such high regard here. It's now something I regularly keep around.

With that being said, KC is a very good bourbon at a fair price that's easy to find.

[boneuphtoner]

I love the KC got this award. I agree with the previous comment that IMHO, the SB is even better, and for me it is in my top 3. I think people get wrapped up in getting all of the limited releases so that you miss the great stuff hiding in plain sight!

[TunnelTiger]

I'm a big fan of KC but I'm so much against these b.s. awards it makes me want to re-consider.

[suntour]

What with the recent trends, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see KC lose its age statement.

I mean, the way things are going, I wouldn't be surprised to see a major brand take "Kentucky" or "Straight" off the label.

[393foureyedfox]

What with the recent trends, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see KC lose its age statement.