Knob Creek Bourbon X Rye 750ML

Knob Creek Bourbon X Rye 750ML is a 113-proof Kentucky whiskey blend combining aged bourbon and rye in a single 750ml bottle at 56.5% ABV. Ranked #13 on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 Whiskies list, this release merges 30% nine-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon with 70% seven-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye to create a profile that neither component could achieve alone.

Quick Facts: ABV: 56.5% (113 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  9-Year Bourbon / 7-Year Rye Blend  |  Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

Produced at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky — a facility with roots dating back to 1795 — Bourbon X Rye draws from two distinct whiskey stocks within the Knob Creek portfolio. The bourbon component uses a mashbill of approximately 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, aged nine years, while the rye component matures for seven years before blending. The resulting liquid is bottled at a full 113 proof without chill filtration details disclosed, a strength that makes reverse-engineering the blend at home nearly impossible even with access to the individual components.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Maple syrup and vanilla lead the nose, followed by nutty baking spices and a layer of toasted oak. Caramel undertones round out the bouquet, lending a richness that signals the bourbon's nine-year contribution.

Taste: The entry is rye-dominant — vibrant pepper, cool mint, and a flash of white pepper hit immediately. The mid-palate broadens as the bourbon asserts itself with caramel apples, butterscotch, and brown sugar. At the peak, muddled orange peel, dark berries, and a streak of hot honey create a layered sweetness-spice interplay that rewards a slow pour.

Finish: Long and warming, with black pepper and cinnamon lingering alongside residual caramel sweetness. A dusting of prune and green apple fades slowly, leaving a dry, spiced close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Bourbon X Rye

At 113 proof, a few drops of water open up the blend considerably, softening the heat and amplifying the fruit and caramel notes beneath the rye spice. Neat is the purist's approach; on a single large ice cube, the proof gradually relaxes into a more approachable sipper.

For cocktails, the high proof and dual-grain character make it unusually versatile. An Old Fashioned benefits from the blend's built-in spice-sweet tension, reducing the need for additional bitters complexity. A Manhattan is a natural match — the rye backbone and bourbon sweetness mirror the classic split-base versions bartenders have been building for decades. A Boulevardier stands up well here, as the 113-proof intensity holds its own against Campari's bitterness without disappearing.

Best For

• Whiskey collectors exploring the bourbon-rye crossover category
• Gifting to someone who already owns standard Knob Creek expressions
• High-proof cocktail experimentation where both grain profiles contribute
• Side-by-side tasting nights comparing blended and single-category American whiskeys

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bourbon X Rye taste like? The dominant profile is rye-forward spice — black pepper, mint, and white pepper — balanced by caramel, butterscotch, and brown sugar sweetness from the bourbon component. Citrus zest and dark fruit add complexity beneath the primary spice-sweet framework.

How does Bourbon X Rye compare to High West Bourye? Both are bourbon-rye blends, but Bourbon X Rye skews heavier toward rye at a 70/30 ratio and bottles at a significantly higher 113 proof, while High West's Bourye typically arrives at a lower proof with a different balance of grain influence. The Knob Creek expression leans spicier and more intense, whereas the High West tends toward a more integrated, moderate-proof profile.

Is Bourbon X Rye good for sipping neat? Yes, though the 56.5% ABV carries real heat; experienced neat drinkers will appreciate the complexity, while others may prefer a few drops of water to temper the proof and expand the aromatic range.

Where is Bourbon X Rye made? It is produced at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, one of the longest-operating distillery sites in the United States. Both the bourbon and rye components are distilled and aged in Kentucky before blending.

What foods pair well with Bourbon X Rye? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the rye spice and caramel sweetness. Sharp aged cheddar creates a satisfying contrast with the whiskey's brown sugar notes. Pecan pie mirrors the nutty, baking-spice character on the nose. Dark chocolate with sea salt amplifies the blend's bittersweet finish. Glazed pork belly matches the maple and black pepper elements directly.

What sizes does Bourbon X Rye come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle at 113 proof.

Is Bourbon X Rye worth the price? Bourbon X Rye positions as a premium expression within the Knob Creek lineup, and the combination of aged stocks (nine-year bourbon, seven-year rye) at barrel-strength proof places it firmly in the upper-mid tier for American whiskey value, particularly given its recognition by Whisky Advocate.

Why Bourbon X Rye?

The bourbon-rye blend category remains a small corner of American whiskey, and Knob Creek enters it with a distinct advantage: sourcing both components from the same distillery's well-aged inventory. A ranking of #13 on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 Whiskies validates the blend's quality beyond marketing novelty. The 70/30 rye-to-bourbon ratio at full 113 proof delivers a whiskey that genuinely behaves differently from either parent style — spicier than a straight bourbon, sweeter and rounder than most straight ryes. For drinkers who have explored the core Knob Creek range and want something with more dimension and intensity, this is the logical next step.