Knob Creeck Jewl Osco Private Pick #3 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

VITALS:

- $60

- 120 Proof

- 9 yrs, 11 mos.

- Kentucky

It really feels like store picks have flooded the market these days. It seems that every store I go in has at least two or three store picks on the shelves, with the big liquor stores having dozens to choose from, including multiple picks of each brand. With so many to choose from, I almost experience paralysis by analysis, and often find myself grabbing something else of the shelf.

But, for whatever reason, this Jewel Osco Knob Creek pick made it into my shopping cart.  I don't know if I was feeling particularly randy that day, or if it was the fact that this was only one month shy of double digits. For whatever reason, I gave this particular bottle a go, and, quite frankly, I'm pretty glad I did!

The nose was sweet and rich toffee, but balanced out with a bit of milk chocolate, kind of like a Heath bar. It had a light oak note to it as well to balance out some of the sweetness, along with some warm cinnamon spice. There was also a bit of a pecan or walnut note as well. This was one where I sat in my recliner smelling my glass to the point it completely annoyed my wife. 

So, when she finally snapped, "Just drink it already!", I felt I had no choice but to oblige.  And (but don't tell her this) she was right. I should have put that glass to my lips far sooner than I did, because this was a super caramel-forward pour. It was that rich, smooth caramel like you get from a candy shop.

But, it also had a spicy backbone, with cinnamon and perhaps even a bit of chili spice. It was rich and full of flavor, and as I enjoyed more sips, I got the milk chocolate I had found on the nose, as well as a bit of a dark cherry note. All in all it was kind of like a spiced chocolate cherry cola. I don't know if such a drink exists, but it should!

While the caramel and cinnamon seemed to linger the longest on the finish, it was there that the walnut came through as well, offering a somewhat different, but very enjoyable, experience. And this finish seemed to last for an exceptionally long time.

It's been a while since I've enjoyed a Knob Creek pick quite this much. Again, I don't know what brought me to buying this bottle on that fateful day (other than I simply can't help myself), but I'm very glad I did!

Grade: A-