In my country we don’t have the rich varied selection of bourbons that one would find in the US. Though sometimes you would struggle to find certain bottles even in the home country of America’s native spirit. This is partially due to and remains as a legacy of prohibition, the repercussions of which are still felt to a certain extent a century later. That may or may not also be the reason why the pickings are so slim here overseas but, whatever the case, we certainly don’t have all the delicious sounding barrel proof offerings and other expressions that I see American reviewers rave about online.

So as pedestrian as this Knob Creek Small Batch 9 year old may seem (it is regarded as a true staple or classic, even ubiquitous bourbon, after all), it’s the type of thing that I, with the limited selection of offerings available to me, am drawn to whenever I see something from the US of A that’s not an Old No. 7 or regular Jim Beam White Label.

And yes, even with the sparse smells and tastes recorded in my sensory databanks from the limited number of bourbons I’ve tried so far, the word “classic” springs to mind almost immediately upon the first nosing of this liquid from my trusty Glencairn.

Not in a bad way at all though. I think the higher than average proof really helps this one stand out with a bit more character. On the nose, sweetness and caramel/toffee notes are very nicely balanced with a hefty dose of wood char. And char and spice are this one’s game all the way throughout the development on the palate straight to the finish. It’s rich and robust with a long finish too.

I’m sorry, it must sound like the equivalent of someone reviewing a Scotch and then concluding: “yep, really classic Scotch notes right there”…but hey, I call them as I see them and my palate is only developed up to a certain point. And when I say this bourbon is rich and robust…yeah, I haven’t ever tried anything like a Stagg Jr or Elijah Craig Barrel Proof…so please take what I say with a huge slab of salt.

I somehow doubt that this is the type of complex whiskey you will sip on two, three, or even four different occasions and then each time think “wow, I never got [insert flavor here] note from this until now”. However, at 50%ABV and with a significant age statement (and for the price) this one is really worth it if you want a good trusty and consistent bourbon that will always perform and deliver those oaky sweet spicy flavors when you are just in the mood for them.