Knob Creek 9 Year Old Single Barrel Reserve Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) $49.99 View

 This new single barrel expression of Knob Creek tastes very similar to the original “small batch” Knob Creek (when brought down to the same alcohol level). If anything, it’s slightly drier, more elegant, not as heavy on the palate, and more sophisticated — but I am reaching here. The similarity is a good thing, because I really enjoy the original expression. Keeping in mind that no two barrels are exactly alike, your decision to purchase the single barrel might just come down to whether you want to pay a little more for a higher strength version, and whether knowing that it might taste a little different than the standard small batch bottling excites you. This is a stylish, big, broad-shouldered bourbon with a thick, sweet foundation (nutty toffee, pot still rum, maple syrup) peppered with spice (cinnamon, but also vanilla and evergreen) and dried fruit. Dry, warming, resinous finish. (JH, Winter 2010) 

Rebel “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel #7903533 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $54.99 View

High proof wheated Bourbon is back on the menu. Rebel barrels offer one of the rare opportunities to get your hands on that sweet sweet KY wheated Bourbon without paying through the nose for the unicorns that drive the category. It’s unfortunate that Rebel has made the choice to bottle these with a giant “cask strength” on the front when all of the barrels are proofed to 60% ABV, but no matter, it’s still plenty high and those that prize those sweet creamy flavors but want a good kick will find it here a at reasonable price. Barrel #7903533 was filled 1/16/18 and dumped in Q3 of 2022.