Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is part of Jim Beam’s quartet of small batch bourbons (along with Basil Hayden’s, Baker’s Bourbon and Booker’s Bourbon). It is 100 proof with a mash bill of 75 percent corn, 13 percent rye and 12 percent barley.

The name Knob Creek allegedly comes from a creek that ran through Abraham Lincoln’s family farm, and like Abe, Knob has many admirers and a solid reputation. To take this parallel further, Lincoln was known for his honesty, and Knob Creek is a forthright, reliable bourbon, either neat or in cocktails, where it has enough vigor to hold its own.

Knob Creek’s most apparent appeal is its bold, sweet vanilla and oak-heavy profile, while its downside is a lack of complexity and some harshness towards the back of the mouth. But for bourbon drinkers who are looking for a traditional experience at an attractive price, Knob Creek is a sound choice. 

For this time of year, with the dusk creeping up on us earlier every evening, you might be reminded of young Abe Lincoln's legendary habit of reading by the firelight. If you’re sitting by a fire with a good book and have a notion to make yourself an old-fashioned cup of hot chocolate--with a healthy pour of Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey added—here’s the recipe:

Old-fashioned hot chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips or more to taste
• Optionals: a pinch of salt, a pinch of instant espresso powder

Directions:

In a small saucepan heat milk over medium heat until small bubbles form around the sides of the pan. Don't let it boil. Lower heat and add chocolate chips while whisking until chips have melted and been incorporated smoothly into the milk.  Taste and add more chips, salt and espresso powder as desired. Pour into a mug and add a generous glug of Knob Creek.

By Barbara Chapman, La Bourbonessa

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