Blaum Bros. Distilling Co Oldfangled Knotter Bourbon Cask Strength 10 Year 750ML

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co Oldfangled Knotter Bourbon Cask Strength 10 Year 750ML is a barrel-proof, 10-year-old straight bourbon sourced from MGP of Indiana and bottled at cask strength ranging from 114.8 to 121.4 proof (57.4%–60.7% ABV) depending on the batch. What distinguishes this release immediately is its radical honesty — the name "Knotter" is a phonetic play on "Not Our," and the label proudly declares it "The Oldest Straight Bourbon Whiskey We Never Distilled," a level of sourcing transparency rare in the craft spirits world.

Quick Facts: ABV: 57.4%–60.7% (varies by batch)  |  Origin: Galena, Illinois (sourced from Lawrenceburg, Indiana)  |  10-Year Age Statement  |  Distillery: Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. operates out of Galena, Illinois, a historic town in the state's northwest corner. The Oldfangled Knotter line showcases aged whiskey distilled at MGP's Lawrenceburg, Indiana facility — one of the most respected contract distilleries in American whiskey — using a high-rye bourbon mashbill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley. After a full decade of maturation in new charred oak barrels, Blaum Bros. bottles each batch at cask strength with no dilution, preserving the barrel's full intensity. The high rye percentage in the mashbill gives the Knotter a spicier, more assertive profile than standard bourbon mashbills, and the absence of proofing down means each batch carries its own distinct fingerprint.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep fudge-like caramel opens first, followed by waves of cinnamon bark, white pepper, and smoky charred oak. As the glass sits, secondary notes of cola, dark cherries, and bittersweet chocolate emerge from beneath the heat.

Taste: The entry is oily and syrupy, immediately coating the palate with dark caramelized sugar and rich caramel. Mid-palate, the 36% rye asserts itself through dry, earthy spice, cinnamon intensity, and a flash of citrus peel. Black cherry and smoky oak round out the peak, delivering layers that shift with every sip.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish lands on roasted cinnamon, bitter oak tannins, and a sharp spice kick that lingers. Roast nuts and baking spices carry through the close, with charred oak providing a satisfying, drying conclusion.

How to Drink Oldfangled Knotter 10 Year

At cask strength, this bourbon rewards patience — pour it neat and let it open for five to ten minutes, or add a few drops of water to tame the proof and unlock the darker fruit and chocolate notes hiding beneath the spice. Its barrel-proof intensity also makes it a formidable cocktail anchor. An Old Fashioned built with this bourbon stands up to sugar and bitters without losing its oak-driven backbone. A Boulevardier benefits from the high-rye spice cutting through sweet vermouth and Campari. A simple Whiskey Sour highlights the dark cherry and caramel notes while the proof ensures the bourbon never disappears behind citrus.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values transparency and barrel-proof whiskey
• Building a comparative tasting flight of MGP-sourced bourbons at different ages
• Marking a milestone occasion with a full-strength, decade-aged pour
• Adding a high-proof anchor to a home bar's bourbon shelf

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Oldfangled Knotter 10 Year taste like? It delivers a bold, cinnamon-forward profile layered with deep caramel, black cherry, and charred oak, all amplified by its cask-strength bottling. The high-rye mashbill gives it a spicier, more assertive character than typical bourbon.

How does Oldfangled Knotter 10 Year compare to Knob Creek Single Barrel? Both draw from similar age ranges and emphasize oak-forward, full-bodied bourbon character, but the Knotter's 36% rye mashbill and uncut barrel proof typically deliver more pronounced spice and greater intensity than Knob Creek Single Barrel's 120-proof bottling with its lower-rye recipe.

Is Oldfangled Knotter 10 Year good for sipping neat? Yes — despite its high proof, the oily, syrupy texture softens the heat considerably, making it a rewarding neat pour for drinkers comfortable with barrel-proof bourbon. A few drops of water further open up its chocolate and fruit notes.

Where is Oldfangled Knotter 10 Year made? The bourbon is distilled at MGP's facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then selected, aged, and bottled by Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. in Galena, Illinois.

What foods pair well with Oldfangled Knotter 10 Year? Smoked brisket complements the charred oak and caramel notes. Dark chocolate truffles mirror the bourbon's bittersweet depth. Pecan pie echoes the roast nut finish. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness with savory richness. Cinnamon-spiced bread pudding harmonizes naturally with the dominant cinnamon character.

What sizes does Oldfangled Knotter 10 Year come in? The standard release is available in 750ml bottles.

Is Oldfangled Knotter 10 Year worth the price? It positions as a premium offering in the barrel-proof bourbon segment, and the combination of a 10-year age statement, cask-strength bottling, and MGP's well-regarded distillate represents strong value compared to many allocated bourbons of similar age and proof.

Why Oldfangled Knotter 10 Year?

In a market crowded with brands obscuring their sourcing behind vague language, Blaum Bros. takes the opposite approach — the Knotter name and label are designed to announce, rather than hide, the bourbon's Indiana origins. That honesty extends to the liquid itself: no water is added after barrel dumping, so what reaches the glass is an unaltered snapshot of a decade in charred oak. The MGP high-rye mashbill at this age produces a richness and spice complexity that many distillery-own brands charge considerably more for at similar maturity. For bourbon drinkers who care more about what's in the bottle than the story printed on it, the Oldfangled Knotter 10 Year makes a compelling case on its own terms.