Knob Creek Blender's Edition 10 Year Bourbon 750ML

Knob Creek Blender's Edition 10 Year Bourbon 750ML is a limited-release Kentucky straight bourbon aged a full decade and bottled at a robust 106 proof (53% ABV). This expression was developed by the Knob Creek distilling team at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, drawing from hand-selected barrels that showcase the depth achievable through extended aging in new, charred American oak. The Blender's Edition label signals a deliberate curation — barrels chosen not just for age but for how they interact when married together. Knob Creek traces its origins to the late Booker Noe, sixth-generation master distiller and grandson of Jim Beam, who launched the brand as part of the original Jim Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection in 1992. The mashbill follows the classic Jim Beam recipe: 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Deep caramel and charred oak lead the nose, followed by waves of dark brown sugar, baking spice, and dried orange peel. Underneath, there is a subtle nuttiness — like toasted pecans — and a faint whisper of leather that signals the decade of barrel maturation.

Taste: The palate enters rich and full-bodied, with immediate dark toffee and vanilla extract giving way to a spicy mid-palate dominated by black pepper and cinnamon bark. A pronounced rye grain note emerges alongside roasted oak, with the 106 proof delivering substantial weight without tipping into harshness. The texture is viscous and coating, with an almost syrupy density that carries each flavor clearly.

Finish: Long and warming, trailing charred oak, bittersweet chocolate, and a persistent baking spice that lingers well after each sip. A gentle tannic dryness balances the sweetness, keeping the finish structured and dry rather than cloying.

How to Drink Knob Creek Blender's Edition 10 Year Bourbon:

This bourbon rewards neat pours — the 106 proof opens significantly with a few minutes of rest, and adding a splash of water unlocks additional caramel and fruit nuances without diluting the core flavor. It stands up beautifully in an Old Fashioned, where its dark toffee and oak intensity push through sugar and bitters with authority. In a Manhattan, the rye spice in the mashbill creates a natural synergy with sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters. A Knob Creek Blender's Edition Whiskey Sour uses that barrel-proof strength to maintain bold bourbon character against fresh citrus and simple syrup.

Best For:

• Sipping neat or with a few drops of water
• Bold Old Fashioneds and Manhattans
• Gifting to bourbon enthusiasts and collectors
• Exploring aged, barrel-proof Kentucky bourbon

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does Knob Creek Blender's Edition 10 Year taste like? Knob Creek Blender's Edition 10 Year delivers a full-bodied palate of dark caramel, charred oak, black pepper, and baking spice, followed by a long finish of bittersweet chocolate and tannic dryness. At 106 proof, it carries significant weight and warmth while remaining balanced and drinkable.

How does Knob Creek Blender's Edition compare to Russell's Reserve 10 Year? Both are 10-year-aged Kentucky straight bourbons, but Knob Creek Blender's Edition is bottled at 106 proof compared to Russell's Reserve 10 Year at 90 proof, resulting in a notably richer, more intense flavor profile. The Knob Creek also uses a higher-corn mashbill (77% corn, 13% rye) whereas Russell's Reserve uses Wild Turkey's lower-corn, higher-rye recipe, giving it a spicier, leaner character.

Is Knob Creek Blender's Edition good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the 10 years of aging smooth out much of the heat you might expect from a 106-proof bourbon, and the concentrated flavors reward patient, undiluted sipping. A small addition of water can further open up the aromatics for those sensitive to higher proof levels.

Where is Knob Creek Blender's Edition made? Knob Creek Blender's Edition is produced at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, in the heart of bourbon country. The bourbon is distilled from a mashbill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley, then aged for 10 years in new, charred American white oak barrels.

What foods pair well with Knob Creek Blender's Edition 10 Year? The dark caramel and oak intensity pairs exceptionally with smoked brisket, pecan pie, aged sharp cheddar, dark chocolate truffles, and brown butter-seared pork chops. The bourbon's spice and tannic finish also complement rich blue cheese or a charcuterie board with cured meats.

Why Buy Knob Creek?

Knob Creek was launched in 1992 by legendary master distiller Booker Noe as one of four brands in the Jim Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection, a lineup that helped spark the American small batch bourbon movement. The brand has maintained a reputation for bottling at higher proofs than most shelf competitors, prioritizing flavor density and barrel character. Knob Creek expressions consistently earn strong reviews in the bourbon community for delivering well-aged, full-proof whiskey at accessible price points. The Blender's Edition represents a curated step above their core range — a limited release that highlights what careful barrel selection can achieve with a decade of patience.