Jim Beam’s small-batch bourbon brand, Knob Creek, has jumped onto the rye whiskey bandwagon with Knob Creek Rye, which will be released nationally at the end of July. An early release of Knob Creek Rye won a Double Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition back in March.

Knob Creek Rye is a robust 100-proof blend of rye whiskeys that offers “a distinct rye spiciness complemented by surprising layers of vanilla and oak,” according to the press release.

Rye whiskey is in short supply these days because of a sharp increase in demand over the last several years. Needless to say, the release of well-reviewed Knob Creek Rye is a welcome addition to the shrinking ranks of rye.

In anticipation of the national release, chef Michael Symon created some special cocktails using Knob Creek Rye. This one looks perfect for summer:

Knob Creek® Spice of Life
(Recipe courtesy of Chef Michael Symon)

2-1/2 parts Knob Creek® Rye
1/2 part white peach nectar
1 part ginger beer
4-5 fresh mint leaves

Muddle mint, peach nectar and Knob Creek® Rye in the bottom of a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain over ice and top with ginger beer.

Source

Soon-to-Be-Released Knob Creek(R) Rye, Yahoo! Finance