As a fan of Knob Creek’s Small Batch Bourbon, I was excited to see how the extra years in the barrel would affect the flavor profile.
Table of Contents
Knob Creek 14-Year Overview
Product History
Knob Creek 14 Year is a limited edition bourbon released by Jim Beam in 2020. It is part of the Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon Collection, which also includes the standard Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon, Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon, and Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye.
The 14-year aging process gives this bourbon a deep amber color and a complex flavor profile. On the nose, it has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, with hints of spice and fruit. The taste is smooth and rich, with flavors of brown sugar, honey, and toasted oak. The finish is long and warming, with a touch of spice and a hint of smoke.
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Price Range
Knob Creek 14 Year is a premium bourbon, with a price range of around $100 to $200 per bottle. It is a limited-edition release, so availability may be limited in some areas.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Knob Creek 14 Year has an inviting aroma with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The scent of cinnamon is also present, adding a touch of warmth to the nose. The aroma is not overpowering, but rather balanced and pleasant.
Flavor
On the palate, Knob Creek 14 Year delivers a complex flavor profile. The taste of licorice and caramel is dominant, with hints of honey and toasted oak. The flavor is well-rounded and smooth, with a subtle spiciness that lingers on the tongue. The whiskey has a rich and full-bodied taste that is both satisfying and enjoyable.
Finish
The finish of Knob Creek 14 Year is long and warming. The taste of toasted oak and vanilla lingers on the palate, with a hint of spice that adds a pleasant kick. The finish is smooth and satisfying, leaving a warm and comforting feeling in the chest.
Rating
Overall, I would rate Knob Creek 14 Year 8 out of 10. The aroma, flavor, and finish are all well-balanced and enjoyable. The whiskey is smooth and easy to drink, making it a great choice for sipping neat or on the rocks. I would highly recommend this whiskey to anyone looking for a high-quality bourbon with a rich and complex flavor profile.
Mixing and Pairing
Best Mixers
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Knob Creek 14 Year is a premium bourbon that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails. However, due to its complex flavors, it is recommended to use mixers that complement its taste. Some of the best mixers for Knob Creek 14 Year include:
- Ginger ale
- Lemon-lime soda
- Tonic water
- Sweet vermouth
- Orange bitters
Cocktail Suggestions
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Knob Creek 14 Year is a versatile bourbon that can be used in a variety of cocktails. Here are some cocktail suggestions that highlight its unique flavors:
- Old Fashioned: Combine 2 oz. Knob Creek 14-Year, 1 tsp. sugar, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and a splash of water in a glass. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add ice and garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
- Manhattan: Combine 2 oz Knob Creek 14 Year, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters in a shaker. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a cherry.
- Kentucky Mule: Combine 2 oz Knob Creek 14 Year, 1 oz lime juice, and ginger beer in a glass. Add ice and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Food Pairings
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Knob Creek 14 Year’s complex flavors make it a great pairing for a variety of foods. Here are some food pairing suggestions:
- Steak: Knob Creek 14 Year’s robust oak and char notes complement the rich flavor of a juicy steak.
- Dark chocolate: The bourbon’s sweet vanillas and caramels pair well with the bitterness of dark chocolate.
- Smoked salmon: The bourbon’s warm brown spice notes complement the smoky flavor of salmon.
Remember to always drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Cheers!
Conclusion
I highly recommend Knob Creek 14 Year to anyone who is looking for a high-quality bourbon that is both complex and smooth. It is a great choice for sipping neat or on the rocks, and it also works well in cocktails. If you are a fan of Knob Creek or bourbon in general, this is definitely a bottle that you should add to your collection.
Related Posts
If you enjoyed Knob Creek 14 Year, then you might want to check out some other bourbons that I’ve tried and reviewed. Here are a few recommendations:
- Old Scout Straight Bourbon Review: A Friendly Guide to a Classic Taste: This is a smooth and complex bourbon that’s perfect for sipping. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, with a long and satisfying finish.
- Pure Kentucky XO Bourbon Review: A Friendly Tasting Guide: This is a bold and flavorful bourbon that’s aged for at least 12 years. It has notes of dark fruit, spice, and oak, with a smooth and warming finish.
- Sam Houston 15 Year Bourbon Review: A Friendly Taste Test: This is a rare and sought-after bourbon that’s aged for 15 years. It has notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength Review: Unveiling the Flavor Profile: This is a high-proof bourbon that’s aged for at least 4 years. It has notes of caramel, spice, and oak, with a bold and intense flavor.
- Buchanan’s Two Souls Scotch Whiskey Review: A Friendly Taste Test: This is a unique and innovative scotch whiskey that’s aged for at least 12 years. It has notes of honey, fruit, and smoke, with a smooth and balanced flavor.