Knob Creek 2001 (Batch 1), 50%

Highly anticipated, this release offers freshly-popped kettle corn, cinnamon, nutmeg, oak, hints of fruit and floral. Then it feels unbalanced, a bitter woodiness hiding hopeful flavors. Once the wood disappears there's caramel, vanilla, and baking spice over heat. A drop of water corrects the dominant oak and gives this a sipper's chance.