Knob Creek's New Rye Is Surprisingly Affordable and Perfect for Your Next Manhattan
The whiskey is the latest—and one of the best—in the trend of spicy aged ryes.
Knob Creek isn’t new to rye whiskey. The distillery in Clermont, KY, launched its first bottling back in 2012 and already offers two as part of its core collection: Single Barrel Select Rye and 7-Year Rye. But as the spicy brown liquor continues its resurgence, older bottlings become available and the style’s popularity continues to soar. In response, Knob Creek—which is best known for its various delicious and affordable bourbons—is launching a 10-Year-Old Rye Whiskey.
Knob Creek 10-Year-Old is well-priced at $70 and carries many of the spicy yet full-bodied notes that more mature whiskeys impart. Aromas of rich caramel and vanilla are delivered alongside deep rye spice and dried apple. The palate offers black peppercorn, char, and oak. The finish, meanwhile, lingers with hints of baking spice. These deeper notes are due to the decade the whiskey spent in deeply charred barrels.
"We're excited to bring an extra-aged rye whiskey with even more robust flavors from a decade of aging in our barrels," said Freddie Noe, eighth generation master distiller. "When my grandfather created Knob Creek over 30 years ago, he set out with the intention to craft a premium whiskey without shortcuts, and we're excited to continue his legacy. I know he'd love it, just like our fans will."
The brand says you can enjoy the whiskey just about any way—neat, on the rocks, or in an old fashioned. If you’re a Manhattan fan, which I am, and are looking for something a little more full-bodied to go in your cocktail, this is definitely a good choice.
By no means is Knob Creek the only distillery taking advantage of these older stocks of rye stacking up in its warehouses. Little Book—also owned by Suntory Global Spirits—just released a rye as Chapter 8 in its somewhat annual series, and Wild Turkey just launched Triumph, its oldest-ever rye whiskey, as part of its high-end Master’s Keep collection.
Related: 16 Best Rye Whiskeys to Spice Up a Sazerac or Manhattan