Jim Beam vs Knob Creek: What’s the Difference?

Updated April 2026.

These are two Beam Suntory Kentucky straight bourbons at different proofs. The Jim Beam page prints Proof: 80. Knob Creek’s site prints the 9 Year Old bourbon at Proof 100. A 1.5-ounce pour is one NIAAA drink at 40% and 1.25 drinks at 50%. This is not a 2022 winner and not a 2026 MSRP list.

100 proof is not bottled-in-bond by itself. Related: Basil Hayden vs Knob Creek, Beam proof, bonded bourbon.

Same house, different proof

Jim Beam White Knob Creek 9 Year
Proof 80 / 40% 100 / 50%
1.5 oz drinks 1.00 1.25
Age copy Twice the two-year floor (brand) 9-year statement
Mash-bill % Not printed Not printed

A 750 mL 50% bottle is about 21 drinks. Four Knob Creek pours are five drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.

Sources

  • beamdistilling.com Jim Beam: Proof 80.
  • knobcreek.com: 9 Year Old Bourbon, Proof 100.
  • TTB 27 CFR 5.143; 5.74; 5.88. NIAAA December 2025.

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