Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye Whiskey

Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye Whiskey is the 2018 limited rye from James B. Beam Distilling in Kentucky: nine-year whiskey barreled in 2009, aged in Warehouse A — the distillery's oldest standing rackhouse — and bottled uncut at 119.6 proof. Beam screened out only barrel char, so dill, clove, and honey stay at full strength instead of being watered back. The mash carries enough corn beside the rye that baking spice and honey sit next to the herbal bite. Give it a large cube.

Dill, clove, and honey open the sip, then black pepper, brown sugar, and vanilla. Charred oak and warm baking spice fill a medium-full, slightly oily body, and the finish is a Kentucky hug of spice, honey, and oak that reminds you it is nearly 120 proof.