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This small batch offering from Jim Beams SB collection was named for Abe Lincolns childhood stomping grounds. Knob Creek was the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln family moved from Knob Creek to Indiana in 1816, the house was torn down in 1870. Lincoln was two when his family arrived at Knob Creek but it must have made an impression on him. In 1860, the first year he was president, Lincoln wrote "The place on Knob Creek ... I remember very well; but I was not born there .... My earliest recollection, however, is of the Knob Creek place." I do not have any idea why Jim Beam picked Knob Creek for a name but I guess it is as good as any.

Knob Creek is enslaved in oak barrels for nine years and is bottled at 100 proof. Tonight I will emancipate some of the bourbon and try to give you a good reckoning of its quality.

Presentation

The bottle is 750ML and rectangular in shape. It is clear and has a paper label wrapped around the middle. The label looks like an old newspaper and states that it is:
#1 Aged Nine Years
#2 50% ALC./VOL
#3 Hand bottled in limited quantity for superior taste and smoothness
This bourbon is amber with a slight orange tint. The bottle is topped of with a wax-dipped cork. The overall presentation is above average and the bottle looks nice on the shelf.

Nose

As is my custom, I poured my first glass of the evening into a short Brandy sniffer. The first hit from the bottle has a slight medicine smell along with oak, caramel, and cherry. Let it air for a while and the medicine smell is not as strong but the rest is the same. I would say the nose is pleasant and above average.

Flavor

Neat;
Hot on the tongue and lips not as hot as you would expect for 100 proof. You get oak, caramel, no cherry, not much charcoal, crisp and not too complex. BAM…. more oak. The finish is powerful and a little quick. This is quality bourbon and is fine straight. You do not need to dress it up; it is “come as you are” whiskey.

On ice;

I poured the KC over about 1” of crushed ice in an “old fashioned” glass. The ice melted to a point where the bourbon lightened to the color of weak tea. What you get here is more of the same flavors that you got neat. With the heat gone you get more oak and it is not as crisp. If you like a sweet bourbon this is not it. I detect almost no sugar.

Mixed with cola:
This is very good. I am sure that Jim Beam did not make this bourbon with mixers in mind. A fine bourbon neat it does not need coke to cover up any flaws. That said it makes a great drink and would be good to order before a big steak dinner.




Recommended:
Yes