Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Knob Creek is a top-shelf whiskey with a bold profile and wonderful flavor. Since it is a 50% ABV spirit, you can drink it neat or use it as an excellent mixer for cocktails.
If you want to know everything about Knob Creek whiskey– price and all, our team will gladly give you an overview.
Knob Creek Whiskey: A Quick Description
Knob Creek whiskey is a product of Jim Beam Distillery with a profile that can be a little tough for other palates.
The top-shelf spirit contains 50% alcohol by volume, which has more punch than other rye whiskeys.
It also has a rich, dark, and creamy smell with dense sweet vanilla, cherry, and caramel notes.
History & Origin
Knob Creek is a straight bourbon whiskey from Clermont, Kentucky, which Booker Noe created in 1992.
Booker Noe is the sixth generation Master Distiller from the Jim Beam family, and he intended to combine a full-flavored bourbon whiskey.
Based on our research, before Booker Noe revived the Knob Creek bourbon, the label was used in 1898. It was previously produced by Penn-Maryland Corp, a National Distillers Division [1].
Read: Knob Creek Bourbon & Maker’s Mark Compared
How Is Knob Creek Whiskey Made?
Knob Creek is distilled from mash bills. The brand also strictly follows a blend of nine-year-old whiskeys.
The finest ingredient will undergo distillation before aging in charred American oak barrels. The bourbon will be aged nine years before being bottled at 50% ABV.
Sometime in 2017, the brand experienced a shortage in whiskeys due to unanticipated high demand.
However, the brand had a major comeback with 9, 12, and 15 years old products. Here are the top Knob Creek bourbons today.
Main Ingredients
Knob Creek uses 51% corn in its mash bill. However, the drink does not disclose the other grains used. It is considered a bourbon because it uses a mash of not less than 51% corn, and it is heated, cooked, then cooled down [2].
The state is also famous for its fertile soil, so maize is widely used to create bourbons.
Knob Creek Whiskey vs Bourbon
Knob Creek has a different mash bill ratio than bourbon whiskey. While both distilled spirits contain three same components, the ratio differs on each variant.
Bourbon uses maize, while rye whiskeys use rye grain as their major mash bill.
In addition, rye has more spiciness than bourbon, and the latter is sweeter than rye whiskey. But how do you open a bottle of Knob Creek?
Common Prices of Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey
| Type | Size | Alcohol Proof | Average Price |
| Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey | 750 mL | 100 | $34.49 – $37.99 |
| Knob Creek Reserve Single Barrel | 750 mL | 120 | $49.99 – $61.99 |
| Knob Creek 9 Year Whiskey Bourbon | 750 mL | 100 | $26.49 – $41.99 |
| Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Rye | 750 mL | 115 | $39.99 – $59.99 |
| Knob Creek Smoked Maple | 750 mL | 90 | $33.99 – $35.59 |
| Knob Creek 12 Year Bourbon | 750 mL | 100 | $64.99 – $74.99 |
Compared To Other Whiskey Brands
Jim Beam
Both Knob Creek and Jim Beam are aged in the same barrels but based on research, Knob Creek has a higher ABV and is more expensive than Jim Beam Rye. Rye has flavors of wood, oak, and pale color.
A 750 mL of Jim Beam Rye contains 40% ABV and has a price of approximately $18, and can be a good alternative to Knob Creek bourbon.
Read: Knob Creek Bourbon vs Bulleit
Baker’s Bourbon
Baker’s Bourbon is another distilled spirit alternative for Knob Creek if you prefer more expensive whiskeys with wood notes, spiciness, and rich color. Baker’s from the same distillery as Booker’s and Basil Hayden’s and is aged in oak barrels.
A 750 ml bottle of Baker’s has a price around $115 in online stores, and it costs a few more bucks than at Knob.
Read: Knob Creek vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Jack Daniel’s
Another product you can try when it comes to whiskeys is Jack Daniel’s, a Tennessee Whiskey. Jack Daniel’s is a perfect alternative to Knob Creek because it can be drunk straight or mixed with different flavors (cocktails).
Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 is bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV. A bottle is around $25 in a liquor store, while a bottle of Knob has a price of around $30.
Also Read:
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- Who is Howler Head’s Owner?
Popular Knob Creek Whiskey Cocktail Recipes
Knob Creek Old-Fashioned
Try out the Old Fashioned if you want to taste the mixed sweet oak and wood flavors of bourbons.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 8 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Knob Creek
- 0.5 oz rich simple syrup
- Bitters
- Lemon Peel
- Ice
Instructions:
Get a glass filled with ice, then add the liquid ingredients before mixing well. Finally, strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice and top it off with lemon peel as garnish.
The Sazerac Cocktail
The Sazerac is a timeless mixed drink that is simple and a nice way to doctor up bourbons, so try one now!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Knob Creek
- 3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- 0.25 oz anise liqueur or absinthe
- Lemon twist (garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, put the sugar cube, add the bitters, then muddle until crushed. Pour the Knob Creek in the mixing glass, then stir it well. Bring in the glass and rinse it with absinthe. Finally, pour the mixture, squeeze the lemon twist over, and drop it as a garnish.
So, Is Knob Creek Whiskey Price Worth It?
How do you drink Knob Creek 100 proof?
You can drink Knob Creek 100 proof straight or neat because of its rich flavor. However, Knob Creek Rye with 100 proof is not only meant for easy sipping. You can drink rye with ice, with a splash of water, club soda, beer, or a mixer for cocktails.
Is Knob Creek Single Barrel rare?
Yes, Knob Creek Single Barrel is rare. Based on our research, it remains the purest expression of the brand with old-style flavor, so the prices are different.
Each drink is unblended to highlight the singular characteristic of the spirit in hand-selected barrels.
Is Knob Creek whiskey top shelf?
Knob Creek whiskey is often considered a premium or high-quality whiskey, but whether it qualifies as “top shelf” depends on individual preferences and definitions. Knob Creek is a small-batch bourbon produced by the Jim Beam distillery, known for its robust flavor profile, higher proof, and longer aging process compared to standard bourbons. Its rich and full-bodied taste, with notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, and spice, appeals to whiskey enthusiasts seeking a more intense and complex drinking experience. While Knob Creek may not always command the same high prices or exclusivity as some ultra-premium or limited-edition whiskeys, it is widely respected and admired within the whiskey community for its quality, craftsmanship, and consistency. Whether it is considered top shelf may vary depending on individual preferences and the context in which it is being compared, but Knob Creek certainly holds its own among premium bourbon offerings.
How much is Knob Creek 9?
Knob Creek 9 refers to Knob Creek 9-Year-Old bourbon, a specific expression of Knob Creek aged for nine years. The price of Knob Creek 9 may vary depending on factors such as the region, taxes, and retailer, but it generally falls into the mid-range to premium category among bourbons. In the United States, a 750ml bottle of Knob Creek 9-Year-Old bourbon typically ranges from $30 to $50 USD, although prices may vary in different markets or for special releases. Knob Creek 9-Year-Old bourbon is highly regarded for its depth of flavor, complexity, and smoothness, which are enhanced by its extended aging period. Its rich and full-bodied taste, with notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, and spice, makes it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts seeking a more intense and refined drinking experience. While Knob Creek 9 may be priced slightly higher than standard bourbons, its quality and craftsmanship justify its cost, making it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate premium bourbon.
What kind of whiskey is Knob Creek?
Knob Creek is a brand of bourbon whiskey, specifically categorized as a straight bourbon. Produced by the Jim Beam distillery, Knob Creek is renowned for its bold and robust flavor profile, characterized by rich caramel and vanilla notes, along with hints of oak and spice. Named after Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home in Kentucky, Knob Creek is crafted using traditional methods and aged in charred oak barrels to achieve its distinctive taste.
How much alcohol is in Knob Creek?
In terms of alcohol content, Knob Creek typically has a high proof, commonly ranging between 100 and 120 proof (50-60% alcohol by volume, or ABV). This higher alcohol content contributes to Knob Creek’s intense flavor and full-bodied character, making it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate a strong and flavorful whiskey. The higher proof also allows Knob Creek to stand up well to dilution in cocktails or when served on the rocks, ensuring that its bold flavors remain prominent even when mixed with other ingredients.
Overall, Knob Creek is celebrated for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and rich flavor profile, making it a popular choice among whiskey connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Its high alcohol content and robust taste make it a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a key ingredient in classic bourbon cocktails.
How should you drink Knob Creek?
Knob Creek whiskey can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on personal preferences and taste preferences. One popular way to drink Knob Creek is straight, meaning it can be sipped neat or on the rocks without any additional mixers or dilution. Sipping Knob Creek neat allows you to fully appreciate its bold and robust flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice. The whiskey’s high proof, typically ranging between 100 and 120 proof (50-60% alcohol by volume, or ABV), contributes to its intense flavor and full-bodied character, making it well-suited for sipping slowly and savoring its complex flavors.
Alternatively, Knob Creek can be enjoyed in cocktails, where its rich and flavorful taste can add depth and complexity to a wide range of drinks. Classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan can be made with Knob Creek, allowing its bold flavors to shine through and enhance the overall drinking experience. Additionally, Knob Creek pairs well with soda water or ginger ale for a refreshing highball, or with vermouth and bitters for a sophisticated twist on a whiskey sour. Ultimately, how you choose to drink Knob Creek depends on your personal taste preferences and the occasion, whether you prefer to enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail.
How do you drink Knob Creek whiskey?
Knob Creek whiskey can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference and the desired drinking experience. One popular method is to drink Knob Creek straight, which means enjoying it neat or on the rocks without any additional mixers or dilution. Sipping Knob Creek neat allows you to fully appreciate its bold and robust flavor profile, characterized by rich caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice notes. The whiskey’s high proof, typically ranging between 100 and 120 proof (50-60% alcohol by volume, or ABV), contributes to its intense flavor and full-bodied character, making it well-suited for sipping slowly and savoring its complex flavors.
Another option is to enjoy Knob Creek in cocktails, where its rich and flavorful taste can enhance a wide range of drinks. Classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan can be made with Knob Creek, allowing its bold flavors to shine through and add depth to the drink. Additionally, Knob Creek pairs well with soda water or ginger ale for a refreshing highball, or with vermouth and bitters for a sophisticated twist on a whiskey sour. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail, Knob Creek offers a versatile and satisfying drinking experience for whiskey enthusiasts of all levels.
Is Knob Creek a smooth whiskey?
Knob Creek is often described as a smooth whiskey by enthusiasts and critics alike, although the perception of smoothness can vary depending on individual taste preferences and experiences. As a bourbon whiskey, Knob Creek is known for its bold and robust flavor profile, characterized by rich caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice notes. While Knob Creek’s flavor profile may be intense and full-bodied, its smoothness is typically attributed to its meticulous production process and aging in charred oak barrels.
One factor contributing to Knob Creek’s smoothness is its higher proof, which can range between 100 and 120 proof (50-60% alcohol by volume, or ABV). The higher alcohol content allows Knob Creek to stand up well to dilution in cocktails or when served on the rocks, ensuring that its bold flavors remain prominent without overwhelming the palate. Additionally, Knob Creek’s aging process in charred oak barrels helps to mellow out any harsh or astringent flavors, resulting in a smoother and more balanced whiskey.
Overall, while Knob Creek may not be perceived as the smoothest whiskey by all drinkers, its bold flavors, high proof, and meticulous craftsmanship contribute to its reputation as a smooth and satisfying bourbon.
Why is it called Knob Creek?
Knob Creek whiskey is named after the small waterway that flows through the historic site of President Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home in Kentucky. The name “Knob Creek” was chosen to evoke a sense of heritage, tradition, and authenticity, reflecting the whiskey’s connection to the rich history of American bourbon production.
The Knob Creek brand was introduced by the Jim Beam distillery in the early 1990s, with the goal of offering a premium bourbon whiskey that pays homage to the traditional methods and craftsmanship of Kentucky bourbon makers. The name “Knob Creek” not only references the geographical location associated with Abraham Lincoln but also conjures images of the rolling hills and pristine water sources that are integral to the bourbon-making process.
In addition to its historical significance, the name “Knob Creek” also conveys qualities of ruggedness, authenticity, and quality, aligning with the brand’s image as a premium bourbon whiskey crafted with care and attention to detail. Overall, the name “Knob Creek” serves as a fitting tribute to the rich heritage of American whiskey-making and the enduring legacy of President Abraham Lincoln.
How strong is Knob Creek?
Knob Creek whiskey is known for its robust flavor profile and higher alcohol content compared to standard whiskeys. The typical proof of Knob Creek ranges between 100 and 120 proof, which translates to approximately 50-60% alcohol by volume (ABV). This higher proof contributes to Knob Creek’s intense flavor and full-bodied character, making it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate a strong and flavorful whiskey.
The higher alcohol content of Knob Creek not only enhances its depth of flavor but also allows it to stand up well to dilution in cocktails or when served on the rocks. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, Knob Creek delivers a potent and satisfying drinking experience that appeals to those who enjoy bold and robust spirits.
Can you drink Knob Creek straight?
Yes, Knob Creek can be enjoyed straight, meaning it can be sipped neat or on the rocks without any additional mixers or dilution. In fact, sipping Knob Creek straight is a popular way to appreciate its bold and complex flavor profile. When served neat, Knob Creek offers a rich and intense taste experience, with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice. The higher proof of Knob Creek ensures that its bold flavors remain prominent, even when enjoyed straight.
Drinking Knob Creek straight allows you to fully appreciate its craftsmanship and the unique characteristics imparted by its aging process in charred oak barrels. Whether sipped slowly and savored or enjoyed as a quick indulgence, Knob Creek straight offers a satisfying drinking experience for whiskey enthusiasts of all levels.
Is Knob Creek premium?
Knob Creek is widely regarded as a premium bourbon whiskey, prized for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and distinctive flavor profile. As a premium whiskey, Knob Creek is crafted using traditional methods and aged in charred oak barrels to achieve its rich and complex taste. The brand is known for its commitment to quality and authenticity, with a focus on producing small-batch whiskeys that deliver a superior drinking experience.
Several factors contribute to Knob Creek’s status as a premium whiskey. These include its higher proof, typically ranging between 100 and 120 proof, which results in a more intense flavor and full-bodied character. Additionally, Knob Creek’s aging process in charred oak barrels helps to mellow out any harsh or astringent flavors, resulting in a smoother and more balanced whiskey.
Furthermore, Knob Creek’s premium status is reflected in its packaging and marketing, which emphasize the brand’s heritage, craftsmanship, and dedication to producing high-quality bourbon. Overall, Knob Creek is widely recognized as a premium bourbon whiskey that appeals to discerning whiskey enthusiasts seeking a top-tier drinking experience.
Final Thoughts
Knob Creek is an iconic distilled spirit packed with a bigger punch, thanks to its impressive alcohol content.
Given the Knob Creek whiskey prices mentioned above, the brand remains one of the top-shelf whiskeys for years because of its strong flavor and rich aftertaste.
Have you heard or tasted the bite of Knob Creek? Do you want to order it neat, add it with ice, or mix it? Let us know by commenting down below!
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