Knob Creek Bourbon 750ML

Knob Creek Bourbon 750ML is a 100 proof (50% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 750ml and produced at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. A Double Gold medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this full-bodied bourbon stands as one of the defining expressions of the American small batch movement.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Clermont, Kentucky, USA  |  NAS (formerly 9-year age statement)  |  Distillery: Jim Beam

Production & Heritage

Knob Creek was created by the late Booker Noe — sixth-generation Jim Beam master distiller — and launched in 1992 as part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection. The mashbill runs 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley, column-distilled and filled into new American white oak barrels charred to a deep level four. That aggressive char draws out pronounced vanilla and caramel compounds from the wood during maturation. Originally released with a 9-year age statement, the flagship expression transitioned to NAS (no age statement) around 2016, though Beam Suntory — the brand's parent company — maintains that the liquid profile remains consistent. The 100-proof bottling is non-chill filtered, preserving body and texture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich honeycomb and brown sugar lead into warm baking spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Underneath, there is charred oak and a thread of fresh maple toffee that builds with time in the glass.

Taste: The entry is full and slightly sweet, with caramel and vanilla coating the palate immediately. At mid-palate, the rye component asserts itself with a peppery bite alongside allspice, toasted nuts, and barbecued corn. A drier layer of leather, cedar, and dried orange peel emerges as the proof takes hold.

Finish: Long and warming, with charred oak, honey, and lingering cinnamon that slowly fades into a clean, dry close. A splash of water opens up a subtle chocolate note and softens the heat without sacrificing depth.

How to Drink Knob Creek

At 100 proof, Knob Creek holds up well neat but also rewards a few drops of water, which coax out sweeter, more honeyed tones. On the rocks, it maintains structure without turning thin. For cocktails, the bourbon's bold proof and caramel backbone make it a workhorse. An Old Fashioned benefits from the deep vanilla and oak, standing up to bitters and sugar without getting lost. A Whiskey Sour gains richness from the bourbon's full body, balancing citrus with its natural sweetness. In a Manhattan, the rye-forward spice and high proof cut through sweet vermouth cleanly.

Best For

• Building a Kentucky straight bourbon home bar foundation
• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values proof and character over flash
• Hosting an Old Fashioned cocktail night where the bourbon needs to carry the drink
• Side-by-side tastings comparing small batch bourbons at different proof points

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Knob Creek taste like? Knob Creek delivers bold caramel, vanilla, and charred oak up front, followed by baking spices like cinnamon and allspice, with a dry, warming finish. The 100-proof bottling gives it a full-bodied, slightly peppery character with noticeable depth.

How does Knob Creek compare to Russell's Reserve 10 Year? Both are well-aged Kentucky straight bourbons, but Knob Creek is bottled at a higher 100 proof versus Russell's Reserve 10 Year at 90 proof, resulting in a bolder, more assertive palate. Russell's Reserve tends toward a softer, more fruit-forward profile owing to its Wild Turkey distillate and lower bottling strength.

Is Knob Creek good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the 100-proof strength carries plenty of flavor complexity without being harsh, and the deep level-four char imparts enough sweetness to keep it approachable. A few drops of water can further open up honey and chocolate undertones.

Where is Knob Creek made? Knob Creek is produced at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Bullitt County, Kentucky. The distillery, now owned by Beam Suntory, has been operating in the region since 1795 under the Beam family name.

What foods pair well with Knob Creek? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the bourbon's charred oak mirrors the smokiness of the meat. Dark chocolate truffles complement the caramel and vanilla notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère amplifies the nutty, toasty qualities. Pecan pie works as a dessert pairing, echoing the brown sugar and maple character. Grilled stone fruit like peaches brings out the bourbon's latent sweetness.

What sizes does Knob Creek come in? Knob Creek Bourbon is widely available in 750ml, 1L, 1.75L, and 375ml bottles, with the 750ml being the standard retail size.

Is Knob Creek worth the price? Knob Creek positions as a mid-shelf bourbon that consistently outperforms its price tier — the 100-proof bottling, Double Gold SFWSC medals, and a 93-point Wine Enthusiast rating place it in competition with bourbons that cost significantly more. It represents strong value within the Kentucky straight bourbon category.

Why Knob Creek?

What separates Knob Creek from the crowded bourbon shelf is intentional intensity. The level-four char on its new American white oak barrels extracts deeper vanilla and caramel than standard charring, while the 100-proof bottling preserves every ounce of that barrel influence without dilution. Its Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 93-point Wine Enthusiast score confirm what the palate already suggests: this is a bourbon built to deliver above its weight class. Created by Booker Noe as a throwback to pre-Prohibition full-flavored bourbon, Knob Creek remains one of the most reliable and well-structured Kentucky straight bourbons available today.