JOEL SALING, Cincinnati, OH: Old Rip Van Winkle
DEVIN HIDALGO, Brentwood, CA: Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot “B” 12 year
DAVID (just DAVID), Elizabethtown, KY: Luca Mariano Single Barrel Give 270 Pick
JOSEPH PEREGRIM, JR, Watervliet, NY: Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Give 270 Pick
MICHAEL WRIGHT, Fairview, PA: Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Give 270 Pick
Another below-freezing Kentucky day didn’t stop Give 270 co-founders Kenny and Joe from heading out to Clermont, KY, for a barrel-pick adventure at the iconic James B. Beam Distillery. As guests of Kris from Cheers Wine and Spirits in Leitchfield, they were joined by other members tasting panel of fellow bourbon lovers for the Knob Creek Single Barrel Select experience.
Inside the tasting room—thankfully warmer than in the rickhouses—the panel gathered around a table, ready to get down to business. Barrels lined up, glasses poured, and the hunt for the perfect pour was on. Each taster had their own process—some nosed the glass for deep oak and caramel notes, others swirled and let the flavors open up—but everyone was focused on finding the barrel that stood out from the rest.
One by one, they worked through the lineup. Rich, bold, high-proof picks with all the signature Knob Creek character—deep vanilla, warm spice, and that signature kick. The selected barrel is nearly 10 years old and will be bottled at 122.8 proof!
Cold weather or not, this pick was worth it. The team locked in a bold, flavor-packed Knob Creek Single Barrel —and you’ll want to be ready for it when it comes out this spring!
Eric and Kenny didn’t let Kentucky’s freezing temps slow them down. Bundled up and ready for business, they spent the day at Buffalo Trace with Kris and John from John O’s Liquors and members of the tasting panel, chasing some seriously good bourbon.
The day kicked off with a walk through the historic distillery—cold air, bourbon-soaked wood, and that unmistakable rickhouse aroma. But the real action was back at the barrels. Lined up and waiting, 13 single barrels were on deck for tasting, each offering its own bold character. From the smooth depth of Buffalo Trace and the rich oak of Eagle Rare to the sweet heat of Weller 107 and the rare complexity of Blanton’s Gold, every sip was a battle against the cold—and well worth it.
Despite the chill, the team powered through, swirling and sipping until they locked in the final picks. Hours in the rickhouse, frozen fingers, but a lineup of barrels that are nothing short of incredible.
These single barrel picks are headed your way soon, and trust us—they’re worth braving the cold for. Stay tuned, and get your glasses ready.
