Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye combines Knob Creek's two flagship brands in one bottle, but they might be better left apart.
As big players in the world of American whiskey fish around in search of the next hot thing, you can understand why fusions of bourbon and rye would have such appeal. “Bourye,” as it’s often referred to, a term first coined by Utah’s High West withbrings together two styles of whiskey that most of the bigger American distilleries have already been making for a long time. It requires no big R&D expenditure, experimentation or lead time.
That is not to say that I would have been against the idea of a bourye from Jim Beam in the first place. I think that could be quite a fun idea, but I’m not sure that attaching it to specific Knob Creek flagships was the best idea from a creative sense. Rest assured, it was no doubt an easy call from asense–it’s just the flagship Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon and the flagship Knob Creek Straight Rye.
I feel like these are perhaps unfair expectations on my part, and I’m not exactly giving the company enough credit, but that’s the gut reaction that Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye triggers in me–I wish that it was two forms of Beam bourbon and rye whiskey that didn’t reflect the stuff already on the shelf. With that said, this actually isn’tjust the liquid from the Small Batch releases, thanks to one key detail: Its 56.
On the palate, the citrus in particular returns again, flanked by a melange of mixed peppercorns, light honey and caramel. The older bourbon influence pops up here and there with impressions of leather and more savory herbal notes, with flashes of that red fruit and a little singed firewood. The proof makes itself felt here, particularly in the long, trailing finish of spice–lots of cinnamon red hots.
Here’s the thing: There’s nothing objectively wrong with any of this. You can’t point at Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye bottle and say that it hasn’t been made with quality components. But at the same time, it seems a little incongruous to me, and I think that I might find either the bourbon or the rye more satisfying presented on its own.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taste Test: Knob Creek’s New Blend of Bourbon and Rye Whiskey Is a WinnerThe new Bourbon X Rye blend from the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection's Knob Creek whiskey brand is a winner
Read more »
Samsung recalls more than 1M electric ranges due to potential fire hazardThe company is giving knob locks or covers to consumers with the product.
Read more »
Jura 14 Year Old American Rye Cask Whisky ReviewThe island distillery of Jura has tinkered with American rye whiskey casks, evolving their island scotch whisky.
Read more »
How to Make a Blinker, a Rye Whiskey Sour With a Dose of GrapefruitThere's no standardized version of the Blinker with grenadine, rye whiskey, and grapefruit, so we make our own superior version with lemon, too.
Read more »
Mets' Jose Iglesias performs 'OMG' live at Rye PlaylandMets infielder José Iglesias took his summer hit “OMG” to Rye Playland Park on Monday, belting out the tune during a special meet and greet with fans.
Read more »
Rye Distillery Sensory Tour & TastingEnjoy distillery only whiskies while learning about the uniqueness of Texas terroir and Ranger Creek's philosophy, distilling and aging methods. Explore sensory evaluation throughout each stage of the whiskey-making process.
Read more »