Knob Creek Single Barrel WZF04R074 WWW

Knob Creek Single Barrel WZF04R074 WWW is a privately selected, 120 proof (60% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon in a 750ml bottle, drawn from a single barrel aged a minimum of nine years. As part of Knob Creek's acclaimed single barrel program, barrel WZF04R074 represents a one-of-a-kind expression shaped by its specific position in the rickhouse and its individual aging journey.

Quick Facts: ABV: 60% (120 Proof)  |  Origin: Clermont, Kentucky, USA  |  9 Years  |  Distillery: Jim Beam

Production & Heritage

Knob Creek is produced at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, a facility with roots dating back to 1795 under the Beam family name. The bourbon is made from a mashbill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, distilled through column stills and aged for nine years in new charred American white-oak barrels. The single barrel program selects individual barrels that meet a specific flavor threshold, meaning each barrel designation — in this case, WZF04R074 — yields a bourbon with its own distinct character influenced by rack placement, warehouse conditions, and the unique interaction between spirit and wood over nearly a decade.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Expect pronounced caramelized sugar and vanilla bean upfront, followed by waves of toasted oak and baking spice. A subtle undercurrent of dark fruit and roasted nut rounds out the nose, with faint charred-wood smokiness emerging as the bourbon opens up in the glass.

Taste: The entry is bold and full-bodied at 120 proof, delivering an immediate hit of baked toffee and rich vanilla. At mid-palate, layers of dark cherry, roasted pecans, and oak tannins build considerable depth. Warm baking spices — cinnamon and clove — add complexity, with a slight peppery rye kick asserting itself toward the peak.

Finish: Long, warming, and full-textured, with lingering caramel, charred oak, and a hint of dried fruit. The high proof ensures the finish persists, slowly tapering into toasted grain and subtle leather notes.

How to Drink Knob Creek Single Barrel

At 120 proof, this bourbon rewards patience — try it neat first to appreciate the barrel's individual personality, then add a few drops of water to unlock additional complexity without diluting its robust structure. It also stands up powerfully in cocktails: an Old Fashioned benefits from the bourbon's rich caramel backbone and high proof, which cuts through sweetener and bitters without fading; a Boulevardier pairs the barrel's dark fruit and oak tannins against Campari's bitterness for a balanced, full-bodied drink; and a Kentucky Mule lets the spicy rye component and vanilla sweetness play against sharp ginger beer and lime.

Best For

• Bourbon collectors seeking unique, unrepeatable single barrel expressions
• Side-by-side tastings comparing barrel variation within the Knob Creek range
• Gifting a serious bourbon enthusiast who values cask-strength pours
• After-dinner sipping on cool evenings when a bold, warming dram is called for

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Knob Creek Single Barrel taste like? It delivers a bold, full-bodied bourbon profile dominated by caramelized sugar, vanilla, toasted oak, and dark cherry, with a noticeable rye spice and a long, warming finish. At 120 proof, it carries significant intensity and depth that distinguishes it from lower-proof expressions.

How does Knob Creek Single Barrel compare to Elijah Craig Barrel Proof? Both are high-proof, aged Kentucky bourbons bottled without dilution, but Knob Creek Single Barrel carries a consistent 120 proof and nine-year age statement, while Elijah Craig Barrel Proof varies in proof and age across batches. Knob Creek's higher-rye mashbill (13% rye) tends to deliver more spice-forward notes, whereas Elijah Craig's wheated-less, lower-rye profile often leans more toward rich sweetness and nuttiness.

Is Knob Creek Single Barrel good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the nine years of aging smooths much of the heat despite the 120 proof, making it a rewarding neat pour for drinkers comfortable with cask-strength bourbon. A splash of water can further tame the proof and open up subtler fruit and grain notes.

Where is Knob Creek Single Barrel made? Knob Creek Single Barrel is distilled, aged, and bottled at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Bullitt County, Kentucky. The facility sits in the heart of bourbon country along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

What foods pair well with Knob Creek Single Barrel? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the bourbon's charred oak and caramel sweetness. Dark chocolate truffles mirror its rich toffee notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère balances the high proof with savory fat. Pecan pie echoes the roasted nut character, and charcuterie with honey drizzle plays off the vanilla and spice.

What sizes does Knob Creek Single Barrel come in? Knob Creek Single Barrel is typically available in the standard 750ml bottle, which is the format for individually selected barrel expressions.

Is Knob Creek Single Barrel worth the price? Knob Creek Single Barrel positions as a premium bourbon that punches above many competitors at its price tier, delivering nine years of age, cask-strength proof, and true single barrel individuality. For drinkers who value barrel-proof bourbon with a guaranteed age statement, it represents strong value relative to allocated or limited-release alternatives.

Why Knob Creek Single Barrel?

What separates this expression from standard Knob Creek offerings is its uncut, unfiltered presentation at barrel strength — every drop comes from one barrel, making barrel WZF04R074 a bourbon that will never be replicated. The nine-year minimum age statement is a rarity in the single barrel bourbon space, where many competitors release younger stock at comparable price points. The Knob Creek Single Barrel program earned a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012, underscoring the quality of the barrels selected for this tier. For bourbon drinkers who want the transparency of a specific barrel number and the intensity of 120 proof backed by real age, this release delivers on both counts.