Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon is crafted using a meticulous process that combines traditional bourbon-making techniques with a unique twist of smoked maple flavor. Let's delve into the intricacies of how this delicious bourbon is made.
1. Quality Ingredients: Like all other Knob Creek bourbons, Smoked Maple Bourbon starts with the finest quality ingredients. The key ingredient is corn, which forms the base of the bourbon mash bill. Alongside corn, the mash bill also consists of rye and malted barley, adding complexity to the flavor profile.
2. Mashing and Fermentation: The process begins by grinding the grains into a coarse meal, which is then mixed with water to create a mash. Enzymes are added to convert the starches in the grains into fermentable sugars. This mixture is then heated and cooled to activate the enzymes and facilitate fermentation. The mash is transferred to fermentation vessels, where yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol. The fermentation process typically takes several days.
3. Distillation: Once fermentation is complete, the resulting liquid, known as the distiller's beer, is ready for distillation. The distillation process takes place in copper stills, which help remove impurities and create a smoother, more refined spirit. Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon undergoes the traditional pot still distillation method, which allows for more flavor retention compared to continuous column distillation. This contributes to the robust and full-bodied character of the bourbon.
4. Aging: After distillation, the bourbon is transferred to newly charred American white oak barrels. These barrels play a crucial role in imparting flavor and character to the spirit. Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon is aged for a minimum of nine years, allowing it to develop rich and complex flavors. During this maturation process, the bourbon interacts with the wood, extracting desirable compounds such as vanillin, tannins, and lignin, which contribute to its unique taste.
5. Smoked Maple Flavor Infusion: To create the signature Smoked Maple flavor, Knob Creek introduces a natural smoked maple flavoring during the aging process. This infusion is carefully blended with the matured bourbon, ensuring a harmonious balance between the smokiness and the natural bourbon characteristics. The result is a bourbon with a distinct smoky sweetness, reminiscent of maple syrup, that adds an exciting twist to the classic Knob Creek profile.
6. Bottling and Enjoyment: Once the bourbon has reached its desired flavor profile, it is carefully filtered and brought to bottling strength. Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon is bottled at a robust 90 proof (45% alcohol by volume), ensuring its bold flavors shine through. The final product is then packaged and ready to be enjoyed by bourbon enthusiasts around the world.
Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon combines the craftsmanship of traditional bourbon-making with the infusion of natural smoked maple flavor. By using quality ingredients, employing time-honored techniques, and aging the bourbon for nine years, Knob Creek creates a unique and flavorful spirit that pays homage to the pre-Prohibition era. Whether sipped neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, this bourbon offers a delightful balance of smokiness, maple sweetness, and the rich character of a well-aged bourbon.