Many people, especially in the context of cocktails, view rye and bourbon as the same thing, and given their similar production methods and, in some cases, even mash bills (i.e. recipes), this ambiguity is somewhat understandable.
But American whiskey drinkers know that rye whiskey often has a richer, pepperier flavor and a drier finish. In contrast, bourbon is typically sweeter, often has notes of vanilla or caramel, and has a richer, oilier mouthfeel.
But what if you could create a spirit that combined the best qualities of both American whiskeys into one drink?
Many distilleries have tried. In 2013, Wild Turkey Forgiven claimed to be “the first nationally distributed, small-batch, 91-proof bourbon and rye whiskey.” Since then, numerous small whiskey makers, including High West, Jefferson’s, Lost Monarch, Breckenridge, and Stoll & Wolf, have sold bourbon and rye blends, at least on a limited basis.
But few of these releases could be called great experimental successes, at least by critics’ standards, with Wild Turkey’s recent Master’s Keep Unforgotten Bottles being perhaps the lone exception.
Now that Knob Creek has joined the fray with the release of its own Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Kentucky Blended Straight Whiskey, the awareness and appreciation of the slow-simmering American whiskey trend may finally reach a tipping point if the brand gets the balance right.
What is Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Kentucky Blended Straight Whiskey?
As the name suggests, Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye combines Knob Creek’s 9-Year Bourbon, which we’ve recommended as a long-time “Just Get This” bourbon pick, with Knob Creek’s 7-Year Rye Whiskey.
