Knob Creek 9yo ‘Small batch” (50%, OB, +/-2011)

Scented leather (if such a thing exists but other wise you’ll have to use your imagination), coffee grounds and a glorious richness are all found in abundance on the nose. Clean and fragrant with some bees wax and hints of strawberries (really!). Excellent to say the least. The taste is big and vibrant with some dryness at first and then the curtain pulls back to reveal some sensational sweetness before the curtain is closed and the dryness morphs into grain notes, hints of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg. Quite sensational. The finish is much as the nose and the taste but leans towards dry notes as it slowly diminishes. A late arrival of black pepper.

A staple at Jim Murray tastings and with good reason…

$49

Score 89 points.

Day TWO of American Whiskey Week.