Discover the heritage and robust flavor of Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon, a staple of Jim Beam's Small Batch Bourbon Collection. Crafted in the pre-Prohibition style, this bourbon is aged for nine years in charred American oak barrels, developing a deep, full-bodied profile. Bottled at 100 proof, it delivers a harmonious blend of rich caramel, toasted nuts, and woody oak notes, complemented by hints of vanilla and subtle spice. With its long, warm finish and impeccable balance, this bourbon is perfect whether sipped neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned. Knob Creek 9 Year is more than a bourbon—it's a bold reminder of what whiskey was meant to be.
Process & Profile
Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon is created at the famed Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. Using a mash bill of high-quality corn, rye, and malted barley, the spirit is meticulously distilled and aged for nearly a decade in deeply charred American oak barrels. This extended aging process allows the bourbon to absorb complex flavors from the wood, resulting in a distinctive depth and character. Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), it showcases a bold and balanced profile reminiscent of pre-Prohibition-style bourbons.
Tasting Notes
Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon is a sensory delight from start to finish:
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Nose: Warm aromas of toasted nuts, caramel, vanilla, and oak create an inviting experience.
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Palate: Rich and full-bodied, with layers of caramel, flan, toasted oak, and sweet vanilla. Balanced spice notes of nutmeg and pepper add complexity, while hints of roasted peanut and citrus can emerge.
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Finish: Long and satisfying, with lingering oak, subdued tannins, and a touch of tobacco leaf. The flavor finale is warm, nutty, and wonderfully smooth.
What Makes It Special
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Heritage and Craftsmanship: Introduced in 1992 by master distiller Booker Noe, Knob Creek was inspired by the Bottled-in-Bond Act and crafted to emulate high-quality, pre-Prohibition bourbon.
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Long Aging Process: Aged for 9 years, this bourbon benefits from patient maturation, gaining complexity and richness from charred white oak barrels.
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Versatility: The 100-proof strength strikes a perfect balance, making it ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation for classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
How to Enjoy
Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
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Neat: Savor the bold flavors and complex layers straight from the glass.
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On the Rocks: A few cubes of ice open up its subtler notes of vanilla and spice.
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Cocktails: Elevate cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan with its robust and balanced profile.
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Splash of Water: Adding a drop of water softens the edge, enhancing its sweeter notes of honey and chocolate.
Conclusion
Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon is more than just a whiskey; it's a tribute to tradition and time-honored craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or new to the spirit, this bold, full-flavored bourbon is a must-have addition to your collection. From its rich history to its exceptional taste, Knob Creek reminds us of the simple joys of enjoying a quality bourbon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon?
Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon is a premium, small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon made by Jim Beam Distillery. Aged for nine years, this 100-proof bourbon offers a bold and rich flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and a hint of spice. It embodies a pre-Prohibition style, with a full-bodied and complex character.
What is the mash bill of Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon?
The mash bill for Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon consists of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. This recipe combines the sweetness of corn with the spiciness of rye and the balance of malted barley to create its signature flavor.
Why is the 9-year aging process significant?
The nine-year aging process allows the bourbon to develop a deep flavor profile. During this time, the whiskey extracts caramelized sugars and rich flavors from heavily charred new American oak barrels, resulting in the bold complexity and smooth finish characteristic of Knob Creek. The long aging period also ensures a vibrant amber color and concentrated flavor.
What does Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon taste like?
Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon features a full-bodied profile. On the nose, it presents aromas of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. The palate delivers flavors of roasted nuts, flan-like caramel, and baking spices, with a subtle smokiness and a touch of green peppercorn. The finish is long, with notes of tobacco leaf, oak, and a lingering nuttiness.
How should I drink Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon?
Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon is versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:
- **Neat:** To savor its full complexity and boldness.
- **On the Rocks:** To slightly mellow the flavors.
- **Cocktails:** As a base for classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Its robust flavor holds up well in mixed drinks.
What makes Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon different from other bourbons?
Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon stands out due to its combination of a lengthy aging period, 100-proof strength, and bold flavor profile. Many bourbons at similar price points lack the depth, complexity, or prominent age statement that Knob Creek offers, making it a favorite for both bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers.
Where does the name "Knob Creek" come from?
The brand is named after a small creek in Kentucky near distiller Booker Noe's childhood home. This creek is said to have been an inspiration for Abraham Lincoln as well, as it ran near his childhood house.
What does the 100-proof designation mean?
100-proof means that Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon has 50% alcohol by volume (ABV). The higher proof enhances its bold flavors while remaining smooth enough for sipping.
Is this a good bourbon for beginners?
Yes, Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon is an excellent choice for beginners looking to expand into higher-proof or older bourbons. Its rich flavor and smoothness make it approachable while offering complexity to intrigue experienced bourbon drinkers.
Why is the return of the 9-year age statement noteworthy?
The 9-year age statement was temporarily removed in 2016 due to inventory shortages but was reinstated in 2020. Its return signals a commitment to quality and ensures that every bottle meets the same high standards of maturity and flavor.