Knob Creek Single Barrel – Groves 13yr Reserve (Reviewed by Scott Hill)

 

Nose:  Not a typical Knob Creek nose.  Sweet but not at all off balance, with caramel and burnt sugar (like a creme brule sugar); cherry tobacco; musty oak; baking spice (cinnamon and nutmeg); vanilla bean; light herbal spice.  The light burn on the nose dissipates after a bit of time in the glass.  

 

Palate:  Cherry; vanilla; a cola/cream soda blend; caramel; red hot candies; tobacco; vanilla; pepper spice.  Thick mouthfeel and drinks right at 120 proof.  

 

Finish:  Medium-long; light brown sugar transitioning to a burnt sugar; dusty chocolate; vanilla bean; some light fruit (apple and cherry); lingering vanilla pipe tobacco; a pre-ground black pepper that is only present fresh out of the bottle.