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Knob Creek 21-Year-Old
90 proof 21 years Bourbon Jim Beam Clermont, KY $250

Complex and mature with deep, rich oak that shows its age without being aggressive. Cherry, leather, and warehouse funk emerge with a tannic, dry character that speaks to extended aging. The nose demonstrates sophisticated age expression.

Remarkably velvety and smooth given its age. Toasted coconut, roasted peanuts, and dark high-cacao chocolate (90% cacao quality) dominate. Rich maple, leather, and subtle cherry notes weave throughout. The whiskey maintains sweetness and vanilla despite the 21-year age, which is impressive. Lacks the over-oaking that affected earlier expressions in the line.

Long and complex with lingering chocolate, coconut, oak char, and peanut notes. The finish is dry as expected from an extra-aged bourbon, but maintains silky smoothness and elegance rather than astringency.

Excellent
A masterclass in mature bourbon balance that delivers the expected age markers—dark chocolate, toasted coconut, and dry oak—while maintaining an unexpectedly smooth, velvety mouthfeel and broad palate appeal.
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The Conversation

 
Tasted on Episode 472 Beam Me Up, Toddy: A Trek Through Jim Beam's 2025 Rarities