Beam Box (Round 3!) - Knob Creek 18 & Bookers "Fred's Pick" Review

Note: this was originally posted on r/bourbon in January 2023.

Background

As the title suggests, this is my third review from Jim Beams Barreled & Boxed program (I guess fourth if you count my look at the subscription program itself). The first review covered the Hardin’s Creek releases, while the second showcased the latest Little Book alongside the first of their Distiller’s Share series.

Exposition aside, this boxed release included Knob Creek 18 and an exclusive Booker’s Release “Fred’s Pick”. Knob Creek 18 was released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Knob Creek… and despite this product line being 30 years old they really haven't figured out how to make these f- - - -ing wax tops any easier to open. Booker’s doesn’t really need any introduction, which is good because Beam’s website only provides marketing fluff noting that the finish “lives on just like this pioneering whiskey’s legacy.”

Knob Creek 18 (18 Years, 100 Proof)

Nose: Fresh cut apple slices, caramel, oak and hints of spice. It’s pretty obvious from the nose this is an older whiskey.

Palate: Oily - oak first and foremost followed by melted caramel, creme brulee, tobacco, and nutmeg. It’s pretty flavorful but a smidge too oak forward.

Finish: Shocker - oak! It’s cut by that ever present caramel note and nutmeg.

Very Good (6/10)

Overall: When I first had Knob Creek 12 (which I love and have as a 7.5 by comparison), it was hard not to think about what it would taste like at cask strength. I don’t have a similar impulse here - I like this sip quite a bit but I strongly suspect the lower proof helps balance out the oak. At times this crosses the line into over-oaked, but the sweet caramel note throughout brings it back into balance.

Booker’s “Fred’s Pick” Barreled and Boxed Exclusive (7 Years, 123.4 Proof)

Nose: Candied cherries, cinnamon toast crunch, burnt sugars. Oh this is a nice nose. Super inviting

Palate: Peanut brittle, toffee, cinnamon, and Fig Newtons. Rich and dark tasting.

Finish: Peanut shells, dates, vanilla, oak and black pepper. They are not kidding about the finish being long. Goes on and on and on.

Great (7/10)

Overall: I’ll be honest, I’m not typically the biggest Booker’s fan. I tend to think the batches too often confuse proof with flavor and also tend to blend together. This is one of, if not the, best batches I’ve had. Well balanced with flavor, complex and a remarkably easy sip at 123 proof.