There’s something timeless about dropping the needle on The White Album while sipping a glass of bourbon that’s been resting for 15 years. It’s not just nostalgia — it’s ritual. This first entry in Vinyl & Bourbon is dedicated to that pairing: The Beatles’ sprawling double LP and Knob Creek 15 Year Old.
The Pour
Knob Creek 15 is complex, bold, and refined. It opens with rich caramel and toasted oak, rounded out by layers of chocolate, cinnamon, and a touch of leather. There’s a nuttiness — peanut butter, almost — followed by warm butterscotch and a whisper of dried fruit on the finish. It’s a whiskey that rewards attention, yet never demands it.
The Record
The White Album is an untethered collection of tracks scattered across the room — imperfect, messy, fascinating and a pure joy with every song nestled in the right spot. Record 1 feels more fleshed out and a full stand alone on its own— tracks like “Dear Prudence” and “Blackbird” feel structured, elegant. “Rocky Raccoon” is still a song I love to sing and play whenever I pick up the acoustic. Record 2 lets loose: “Revolution 9,” “Helter Skelter,” and “Savoy Truffle” reflect the chaos and creativity of four artists pulling in different directions. It’s beautifully disjointed, but together it forms something honest — and entirely human.
A Personal Pour
This pairing means more to me than just flavor and sound. My family and I shared this album countless times. Younger me enjoying family game nights with albums like this always in the background, As I get older, I’ve come to appreciate these nostalgic moments. There’s something about the crackle of vinyl and the slow warmth of bourbon that turns simple moments into lasting memories.
The Pairing
If The White Album had a flavor, Knob Creek 15 would be close. Both are aged, a little wild, full of character, and meant to be savored in their entirety — preferably with someone you love. Cheers!
Photos Courtesy of Matthew Kohorst