Knob Creek 2001

[Jazz Nut]

23 minutes ago, Gillman said:

 

The current 120 is 14 years old, that is what I'm saying. I was told this by sources I trust. Plus it tastes like it. It isn't quite like KC, I agree: it's better.

 

Gary

 

Very interesting so the on the shelf KCSB is around 14 years old, yet they are selling a 100 proof version for $149?  I caved and bought a few bottles, but will now be doing a SBS with Knob Creek and the 2001 Knob Creek, may even have to crack open a KCSB too.

[Gillman]

1 hour ago, Jazz Nut said:

 

Very interesting so the on the shelf KCSB is around 14 years old, yet they are selling a 100 proof version for $149?  I caved and bought a few bottles, but will now be doing a SBS with Knob Creek and the 2001 Knob Creek, may even have to crack open a KCSB too.

 

Well, I know, but that's what I understood from someone who said he knew... It is possible that the current SB with the 14 years whiskey isn't 100% all that, that is possible.

 

I think too, a selection is a selection. It's not just age and proof, it's quality, and they may have felt the picks for the 100 proof were absolute top of the line vs. these others.  

 

I can't say but approve the comparative tasting and it will interesting to see the results. Personally I thought the 120 I had was very good, nutty and rich but clean. It looked darker and tasted older than regular KC, but whether it is 100% 14 years old or even partly so, again I don't know. 

 

Gary

Edited June 5, 2016 by Gillman

[Jazz Nut]

2 minutes ago, Gillman said:

 

Well, I know, but that's what I understood from someone who said he knew... It is possible that the current SB with the 14 years whiskey isn't 100% all that, that is possible.

 

I think too, a selection is a selection. It's not just age and proof, it's quality, and they may have felt the picks for the 100 proof were absolute top of the line vs. these others.  

 

I can't say but approve the comparative tasting and it will interesting to see the results. Personally I thought the 120 I had was very good, nutty and rich but clean. It looked darker and tasted older than regular KC, but whether it is 100% 14 years old or even partly so, again I don't know. 

 

Gary

 

There is a store by me that selected 2 barrels of Knob Creek, and I think they were both 10-12 years old.  They actually give a fact sheet with each purchase, which I thought was cool. Barreled on date, bottling date, and rick house location, etc.  I'll probably have to pick a bottle or two up!  So I certainly don't doubt that barrel selections or regular bottlings are around 14 years old.

[Gillman]

1 hour ago, Jazz Nut said:

 

Very interesting so the on the shelf KCSB is around 14 years old, yet they are selling a 100 proof version for $149?  I caved and bought a few bottles, but will now be doing a SBS with Knob Creek and the 2001 Knob Creek, may even have to crack open a KCSB too.

 

Just another point, the Vintage 2001 is I believe a batch, so you get that final selection so to speak vs. one barrel each of which has to vary quite a bit.

 

Possibly the 120s though have some older whiskey at 14 years, not 100% though.  It's possible. What struck me about it is, when the 120 first came out, I bought and found it quite similar to KC, at least that barrel. This recent one I had was quite different with a clean nutty flavour and evident oak. Anyway, look forward to your reviews, at day's end it what's in the bottle and what you think about it.

 

Gary

[Gillman]

6 minutes ago, Jazz Nut said:

 

There is a store by me that selected 2 barrels of Knob Creek, and I think they were both 10-12 years old.  They actually give a fact sheet with each purchase, which I thought was cool. Barreled on date, bottling date, and rick house location, etc.  I'll probably have to pick a bottle or two up!  So I certainly don't doubt that barrel selections or regular bottlings are around 14 years old.

 

 

Thanks and actually I just realized the barrel couldn't be partly 14 years and partly something else if it's SB! So I correct myself on that. But there you go that some clearly go >9 and again I understood that the ones on the shelves here now anyway were 14.

 

Gary

[Paddy]

Agree Gary.  Current KCSB is good enough that I don't even bother looking at the circus that has been created by the Booker's 'batches'...

[flahute]

2 hours ago, Gillman said:

 

 

Thanks and actually I just realized the barrel couldn't be partly 14 years and partly something else if it's SB! So I correct myself on that. But there you go that some clearly go >9 and again I understood that the ones on the shelves here now anyway were 14.

 

Gary

Gary, I've known for some time (from someone at Beam) that they had barrels as old as 14-15 years that they weren't sure what to do with. Then some older ones started to randomly be included in the selection for KCSB picks and some retailers were picking them. I know of 10,11,12,13, and 14 yr old picks that are out there. I tried to see if I could get an older barrel for a pick but was told that there was no way to guarantee it, that it would be random. Then they announced the 2001 batches. I figured that they finally decided to monetize these older barrels. It's certainly possible that they used some 14 year old barrels for your store's pick (or Province's picks) and that someone would know this. I doubt it's a nationwide thing in the US though. (But I'd be happy to be wrong)

[tanstaafl2]

10 hours ago, flahute said:

Gary, I've known for some time (from someone at Beam) that they had barrels as old as 14-15 years that they weren't sure what to do with. Then some older ones started to randomly be included in the selection for KCSB picks and some retailers were picking them. I know of 10,11,12,13, and 14 yr old picks that are out there. I tried to see if I could get an older barrel for a pick but was told that there was no way to guarantee it, that it would be random. Then they announced the 2001 batches. I figured that they finally decided to monetize these older barrels. It's certainly possible that they used some 14 year old barrels for your store's pick (or Province's picks) and that someone would know this. I doubt it's a nationwide thing in the US though. (But I'd be happy to be wrong)

 

My friend who owns a store just picked two barrels of KC and said a couple of the ones he was offered to choose from were 14yo and he picked at least one of them for his store. Not sure of the details on the other barrel. This was part of the reason I was looking for the KC 2001 as I wanted to have them for comparison to see if the 2001 was really any better than what we could pick ourselves (or a shelf bottle for that matter).

 

I know the last KC he picked was excellent as was the GBS bottle from last fall but not sure of the age on either of those.

 

He was there with a relative who has another liquor store and they were each given three barrels to choose from (total of six). They ended up picking 2 each because 1) they liked them (duh!) and 2) getting store picks, even for liquor stores, seems to be getting harder and harder to do and they wanted to have a regular stock of store picks to put in the store.

 

I know for my friend it has been like pulling teeth to even get an appointment to go up to KY with any of the big distilleries to do a store pick. Demand remains huge while options get more limited it seems.

[Gillman]

Thanks for the last two posts, very interesting. LCBO must have been given a pick of 14 years old for the current stock. As for pricing, I agree that probably it clicked a little later they could monetize it more, but also, the KC 2001 is a batch of barrels, so someone will check and approve it, whereas of course with a single barrel each will differ with some better than others. This is part of the justification I think for charging more money because the batch selection has to be good to begin with at that price. Reviews I've seen online suggest the 2001 is very good.

 

Gary

[Jazz Nut]

Hi All, I am relatively new at writing down tasting notes, and descriptors, so bear with me.

 

So I did a SBS with Knob Creek 2001, and a store select Knob Creek.  There were some similarities, but the Knob Creek 2001 had a a better and more powerful nose, more intense and defined flavors, better mouth feel, and longer finish than the store select.  

 

The store select on it's own was very good, and a bit sweeter than off the shelf Knob Creek.  It actually reminded me of FRSB off the shelf.  But there was no comparison as to what was more complex.

 

The Knob Creek 2001 had a lot of baking spices, vanilla, and OAK.  The oak was at the upper limit of what I like, but wasn't over oaked, like what I think Elijah Craig 23 is.  Also the palate and finish had an intriguing savory herbaceous dimension.  Another bourbon I got that on was the Russell's Reserve 1998, and Pappy 20, for two examples. 

 

I know there has been debate on it only being 100 proof, but it's a very powerful whiskey (though I just opened it), so I think the people that drink barrel proofers would still be satisfied.  It's certainly more powerful than the store select Knob Creek, which was opened the same day as the Knob Creek 2001.

 

I have only tried it neat, and with a drop of water, but I liked neat best.  At 100 proof it may not need much added water.  I would think adding ice, would only bring out the oak tannins.

 

My criticism of this bourbon is the price, and the proof.  It is much more complex than the comparison bottle, but both were enjoyable.  It would have been nice to have a higher proof, as at this point, I don't think it takes water very well.  And certainly the cost factors in.  I paid $149+tax, so $165 out the door.  For that price, I could have about 4 bottles of KCSB, or 3 bottles of ORVW (if I could still find it)....!

 

Overall, I am happy with my purchase given that limiteds are hard to find for me, and the bourbon itself is very enjoyable.  It's not the best bourbon I've had, or even the best bourbon I've had this year, but it's good stuff.

Bottom line, if you drink limited editions, or are a Knob Creek fan, and have $150 burning a hole in your pocket, go for it.

 

 

Edited June 6, 2016 by Jazz Nut

[Hop]

So I did a blind tasting comparison to KC2001 and KCSB and while I thought it would be an easy tasting I wound up not being able to discern a noticeable difference in the two which for me means there isn't any reason to purchase the 2001.  YMMV...

[jeffrey r]

26 minutes ago, Hop said:

So I did a blind tasting comparison to KC2001 and KCSB and while I thought it would be an easy tasting I wound up not being able to discern a noticeable difference in the two which for me means there isn't any reason to purchase the 2001.  YMMV...

 

I would say that is music to many of our ears...

[Jazz Nut]

47 minutes ago, Hop said:

So I did a blind tasting comparison to KC2001 and KCSB and while I thought it would be an easy tasting I wound up not being able to discern a noticeable difference in the two which for me means there isn't any reason to purchase the 2001.  YMMV...

 

I should have done a blind tasting.  I did not, and perhaps I could have preferred the fruitier, lighter, Knob Creek store select versus the 2001.

 

Now that I've tasted both, it probably wouldn't matter now in a blind tasting since I remember what the 2001 tastes like.  Perhaps in a week or two with several others.  Or bring in a few additional store select KCSB's.

[TNBourbon79]

Quick question as I'm just getting into trying different bourbons. My favorite is Woodford, with the Double Oaked Woodford being my favorite of the 2. I prefer it neat as I think the ice changes the flavor too much. I had my first Knob Creek last week. It was their Smoked Maple which is only 90 proof. Although really sweet, I thought more like a rum, it was good. How would the 15 year Knob Creek compare to this smoked maple? What about in comparison to the Woodford profile? I have the chance to buy a bottle but am skeptical of the $150 price tag. 

[Richnimrod]

12 minutes ago, TNBourbon79 said:

Quick question as I'm just getting into trying different bourbons. My favorite is Woodford, with the Double Oaked Woodford being my favorite of the 2. I prefer it neat as I think the ice changes the flavor too much. I had my first Knob Creek last week. It was their Smoked Maple which is only 90 proof. Although really sweet, I thought more like a rum, it was good. How would the 15 year Knob Creek compare to this smoked maple? What about in comparison to the Woodford profile? I have the chance to buy a bottle but am skeptical of the $150 price tag. 

I'd try a bottle of Knob SB 120-proof first, just to see if the Knob profile hits your high spots before spending that much cheddar.... but, then I'm a notorious tightwad.

[Charlutz]

I agree with Rich. Try the regular KC or the single barrel. Nothing should be compared to smoked maple. 

[tanstaafl2]

17 hours ago, Charlutz said:

Nothing should be compared to smoked maple. 

 

Unless perhaps you want to try chewing on a charred maple stave coated in sugar as a comparison...

Edited June 9, 2016 by tanstaafl2

[Harry in WashDC]

On 6/5/2016 at 9:53 PM, Paddy said:

Agree Gary.  Current KCSB is good enough that I don't even bother looking at the circus that has been created by the Booker's 'batches'...

Well, as I posted elsewhere . . .

 

A county liquor store near me is closing, and everything was 20% off.  Store opened at 10AM for the first day of the sale; most of the bourbons had been snatched up by licensees.  BUT, I did buy sufficient items (including mixers, basics for cocktails, some liqueurs, etc.) that my 20% savings more than covered the $140 (MSRP+sales tax) on a KC 2001 purchased in a WashDC store.

 

I do like it.  It feels hotter than 100 proof going in and going down, and its entry has a curious hot butter/cinnamon/vanilla combo followed by the woody astringent feeling I get in older bourbons.  Good news for me is the wood fades quickly.  The finish stays around but is not overwhelming.  In other words, I can taste things other than wood.  While I like it, I don't think I'll be buying another because I like regular KC ($23 here when on sale which is usually) and Bookers (under $50 when on sale which is sometimes) just as well (and as some of you know, I like some other, nonBeam, things better), and the regular KC and Bookers don't have that woody thing that keeps me away from older bourbons.  And as Paddy and Gary said, you want hot KC?  Buy a KCSB.

 

In sum, I don't feel cheated, but one is enough.

[amg]

1 hour ago, Harry in WashDC said:

Well, as I posted elsewhere . . .

 

A county liquor store near me is closing, and everything was 20% off.  Store opened at 10AM for the first day of the sale; most of the bourbons had been snatched up by licensees.  BUT, I did buy sufficient items (including mixers, basics for cocktails, some liqueurs, etc.) that my 20% savings more than covered the $140 (MSRP+sales tax) on a KC 2001 purchased in a WashDC store.

 

I do like it.  It feels hotter than 100 proof going in and going down, and its entry has a curious hot butter/cinnamon/vanilla combo followed by the woody astringent feeling I get in older bourbons.  Good news for me is the wood fades quickly.  The finish stays around but is not overwhelming.  In other words, I can taste things other than wood.  While I like it, I don't think I'll be buying another because I like regular KC ($23 here when on sale which is usually) and Bookers (under $50 when on sale which is sometimes) just as well (and as some of you know, I like some other, nonBeam, things better), and the regular KC and Bookers don't have that woody thing that keeps me away from older bourbons.  And as Paddy and Gary said, you want hot KC?  Buy a KCSB.

 

In sum, I don't feel cheated, but one is enough.

Which batch is your bottle from, Harry?

[Harry in WashDC]

Batch 1, #12,392.  Let's see . . .

 

At about 250 750ml bottles per aged 55 gallon barrel (although it's likely about 170-200 bottles per due to evaporation given its age), that's a minimum of 50 barrels per "small batch", assuming my bottle is # 12,392 of at least 12,392.  Compared to what Beam bottles daily, I guess that's "small".  As I said, I have no complaints about it, and it satisfies my desire to pick up a limited addition now and then.

[Charlutz]

A store near me got three bottles, one from each batch. I was talking to the owner about them but didn't ask the price. Pretty packaging.  I love KCSiB and bookers and wanted to love the 2001, but I'm going to pass based on the early comments relative to the price. 

[tanstaafl2]

I saw a few of these from Batch 2 on the shelf in town this past weekend if anyone is interested although no guarantee it is still there today (although I don't think it was flying off the shelves). Pretty sure I have all I am going to need.

[Scotch Neat]

In my neck of the woods they are asking between 145 to 199 for the 2001 yet I can buy ECBP for 52 to 56.

 

Sorry the box is not that nice.

[Bourbonmakesmepoop]

I picked up a bottle of batch one here for $125.

kicked the single barrels ass side by side ????

Hoping to try other batches at the bar

[The Black Tot]

It's been sitting at a local store I frequent for two weeks.

 

A few people have bought it, but they didn't come back and clear the shelf. Hmmm...