I was excited to finally get hold of the Knob Creek 18 Year! Of course, I also had to see how it stacks up against the other "ultra-aged" Jim Beam release from 2022, the Hardin's Creek "Jacob's Well" Bourbon. I did name that one my "Bourbon of the Year", so I'm expecting equally big things from the KC18. Both use Jim Beam's traditional mash bill (recipe) of 75% corn, 13% rye & 12% barley, but the Hardin's Creek "Jacob's Well" also adds some mature Old Grand Dad barrels to its blend. The OGD mash bill is a higher rye bourbon mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye and 10% barley. Enough with the stats, let's get to the head-to-head to see if this Knob Creek 18 even had a chance at unseating the Hardin's Creek "Jacob's Well" as my "Best Bourbon of 2022!" Regardless of the results, this KC 18 has definitely started 2023 out with a bang for me!
As of February 2023, my current bottle count is over 2,600. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for more than two decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, my “Saints Alley" Bourbons & Rye whiskeys are on Total Wine shelves and customers are really enjoying them (be sure to ask for a sample when you're in the stores)! Currently, our two new Special Editions are also available for a limited time! One is our "Nobleman" Rye Whiskey aged in Tokaji (pronounced Tok-eye) casks - Tokaji is a Hungarian fortified wine (similar to the French Sauternes) that’s oak barrel aged. The other is a twist on our "Herald" Bourbon. Instead of just finishing the bourbon in Armagnac casks, we've also used some that rested in French Pineau des Charentes casks - “Pineau” is unfiltered grape juice (sometimes lightly fermented) that’s fortified with Cognac and barrel aged. Trust me, both are delicious, and given my knowledge and high standards, you know I’m working hard with my team to continue releasing whiskeys that we're proud of! Thanks for watching and please remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!