Jim Beam Small Batch Bourbons Knob Creek Smoked Maple NV 750ml

Whiskey first, flavoring second in this bottle. The alcohol presence comes through early on the nose and palate (it’s 90 proof, after all), followed by undercurrents of maple and vanilla. It finishes with flourishes of spice and heat, with a welcome orange-peel note. If you’re seeking a quality flavored Bourbon that will stand up to mixing, here it is.

Booze candy from Beam? More like bacon in a glass: the sweet smokiness invaded my dining room (definitely the last tasting of the day). Richly smoky-sweet, with a clear balance of maple over corn; like a rustic breakfast of bacon, pancakes, and whiskey! The maple’s restrained and authentic, the 45% keeps it from being too sweet, and there’s plenty of good bourbon flavor here, especially at the finish. Lush, tasty; if you have to do flavors, here’s how.