On The Rocks Knob Creek Old Fashioned 375ML

On The Rocks Knob Creek Old Fashioned 375ML is a ready-to-drink Old Fashioned cocktail bottled at 35% ABV (70 proof) in a 375ml format. Scoring 94 points from Tastings.com and earning a Gold medal from the Beverage Tasting Institute, this RTD stands out as one of the higher-rated premixed whiskey cocktails on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 35%  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Style: Ready-to-Drink Old Fashioned  |  Base Spirit: Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon

Production & Heritage

The bourbon at the heart of this cocktail is Knob Creek, a small-batch expression created by legendary master distiller Booker Noe in 1992 at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. Knob Creek's mashbill — 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley — is distilled using traditional column-still bourbon methods and aged nine years or longer in new charred American oak barrels. On The Rocks combines that aged bourbon with bitters and orange to produce a balanced, shelf-stable Old Fashioned that requires no mixing — just chilling and pouring.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Cherry arrives first and most prominently on the nose, followed by more subtle orange citrus. Underneath the cocktail garnish character, the Knob Creek base contributes warm oak and caramel.

Taste: The entry is smooth with immediate caramel and vanilla sweetness from the bourbon. At mid-palate, bitters-driven spice emerges alongside a gentle orange note, and the overall impression stays balanced without becoming cloying. The rye in the mashbill lends just enough grain-forward bite to keep the sweetness in check.

Finish: Long and rich, with lingering oak and a trailing hint of sweetness. The bitters leave a pleasant drying quality that invites the next sip rather than fatiguing the palate.

How to Drink the Knob Creek Old Fashioned

Pour over a single large ice cube in a rocks glass for the most faithful Old Fashioned experience; the dilution as the ice melts opens up the bourbon character. A fresh orange peel expressed over the surface adds aromatic depth. For variation, try these riffs:

• Smoked Old Fashioned: Pour over a smoked ice sphere — the Knob Creek oak backbone pairs naturally with applewood or cherrywood smoke.
• Old Fashioned Highball: Top with a splash of club soda and serve tall for a lighter, more refreshing warm-weather serve.
• Boulevardier Twist: Add a half-ounce of sweet vermouth and a quarter-ounce of Campari to a pour, stir with ice, and strain — the premixed bitters and bourbon provide a running start.

Best For

• Bringing a quality cocktail to a tailgate, campsite, or picnic without packing a bar kit
• Gifting a bourbon drinker who appreciates convenience without sacrificing flavor
• Stocking a hotel room or vacation rental with a no-fuss nightcap
• Hosting a small gathering where consistent cocktails matter but a bartender isn't an option

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Knob Creek Old Fashioned taste like? It leads with caramel, vanilla, and cherry sweetness, balanced by aromatic bitters and a hint of orange citrus, all anchored by the oak-forward character of Knob Creek small-batch bourbon.

How does it compare to Hochstadter's Slow & Low Rock and Rye? Hochstadter's Slow & Low uses a rock-and-rye formula with honey and bitters at a slightly lower proof, resulting in a sweeter, more syrupy profile. The On The Rocks version leans drier and more spirit-forward thanks to Knob Creek's nine-year-aged bourbon backbone and restrained sweetness.

Is the Knob Creek Old Fashioned good for sipping straight from the bottle? It is fully mixed and ready to drink, though pouring it over a large ice cube in a proper glass significantly improves the experience by controlling dilution and temperature.

Where is the Knob Creek Old Fashioned made? The base bourbon is produced at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, where Knob Creek has been distilled since Booker Noe introduced the brand in 1992.

What foods pair well with the Knob Creek Old Fashioned? Dark chocolate truffles complement the caramel and vanilla notes. Smoked brisket or pulled pork echoes the oak character. A sharp aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness. Candied pecans mirror the bourbon's nutty warmth. Grilled stone fruit like peaches picks up on the subtle orange and cherry aromatics.

What sizes does the Knob Creek Old Fashioned come in? The standard format is 375ml, a convenient half-bottle size that yields roughly two to three cocktail servings.

Is the Knob Creek Old Fashioned worth the price? It positions as a premium ready-to-drink cocktail, priced above mass-market RTDs but justified by the use of Knob Creek small-batch bourbon — a spirit that itself sits in the upper tier of everyday bourbons. The 94-point Tastings.com score and Beverage Tasting Institute Gold medal reinforce its quality standing in the category.

Why the Knob Creek Old Fashioned?

Most ready-to-drink Old Fashioneds rely on young, unremarkable whiskey and compensate with sweetness. This one starts with Knob Creek — a bourbon aged nine years or longer from a mashbill designed for full flavor — and keeps the recipe disciplined: bourbon, bitters, orange. That restraint earned it 94 points from Tastings.com and Gold at the Beverage Tasting Institute, placing it among the highest-rated premixed whiskey cocktails available. For anyone who takes their Old Fashioned seriously but doesn't always have a muddler in hand, this 375ml bottle delivers a genuinely credible version of the classic.