Whisky: Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Producer: Beam-Suntory
Distillery: Jim Beam
Region: Clermont, Kentucky, USA
Whisky Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Age: 9 years
ABV: 50%
Aged in Cask: New Charred American Oak
Price Range: $
Knob Creek is a brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon from Jim Beam Distillery. It is part of the Small Batch Bourbon Collection with brands like Baker’s, Basil Hayden, and Booker’s Bourbon.
The Knob Creek website states: “We start by selecting the finest grains. And we finish by meticulously aging our whiskey in white oak barrels with maximum char, for an unmistakable richness and signature sweetness.”
Suntory Holdings Ltd acquired the Jim Beam brands (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Knob Creek bourbons) in April 2014 for $16 billion. The purchase gives Suntory access to the bourbon market and creates new expressions like Legent bourbon, which I consider a bourbon with a Japanese touch.
Tasting Notes for Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Old
The mash bill is 75% Corn, 13% Rye, and 12% Malted Barley. Here are the tasting notes:
Nose: There is a strong smell of alcohol, vanilla, caramel, leather, smoke, and oak.
Palate: To my surprise, the arrival was non-alcoholic, creamy and sweet. Caramel, fruits, and vanilla drive the flavor. There is a good balance between these three, the oak and spices.
Finish: Medium and composed. There is no alcohol burn despite the 50% ABV. Unlike other bourbons I have tasted, there is no bitterness at the end. Instead, there is a spicy note from the rye offsetting vanilla and caramel flavors.
Conclusion: Knob Creek 9 Year Old is a tasty Straight Bourbon that might not be overly complex but delivers an enjoyable experience typical of a classic bourbon and an everyday sipper. The mouthfeel is creamy but not a full-bodied bourbon, so I do not think it needs water because it might take away its mojo.
My main concern was the alcohol smell, but after a few sips, the bourbon had no problem transitioning the flavors without the alcohol feel. Those unfamiliar with the bourbon category might want to try Knob Creek 9 Year Old.
If I had to select a word to summarize the appeal of this bourbon, it has to be “value” because it delivers a pleasant experience for only $38. I also like the fact that it has an age statement. Cheers!
Score: 3.5/5 ⭐
Check more Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskeys here.
