Introduction
Today, we're diving into Knob Creek 9-Year Bourbon, a classic from the Jim Beam family. It’s part of their small-batch collection alongside Basil Hayden’s, Booker’s, and Baker’s. This bottle is the standard Knob Creek offering, clocking in at 100 proof with a 9-year age statement. The mash bill for Knob Creek is 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. While we've previously reviewed a single barrel version of Knob Creek, this is our first review of the regular 9-year expression, and we’re excited to see how it holds up.
This review is taken from our episode "Terminator 2: Judgment Day / Knob Creek Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Bob: The nose on this isn't super complex. I got some Coca-Cola vibes right off the bat, with a lot of caramel and a bit of that effervescence you get from soda. There’s also some rye spiciness that gives it a nice kick. Overall, it’s inviting, if not the most layered whiskey I’ve nosed. I’d give it a solid 7.5/10.
Brad: I’m with you on this one, Bob. There’s a nice honey note, some vanilla, and floral aspects that give it a lightness, but also a noticeable grainy, corn syrup vibe. It’s pleasant but not super deep. I’m also at 7.5/10.
Taste
Bob: The palate on this is surprisingly soft compared to the nose. I expected a lot of sweetness, like brown sugar or maple, but instead, it leans much more into the oak, likely from those nine years in the barrel. It’s less sweet than I anticipated, with a nice oily mouthfeel, though the rye spice is more prominent than I expected. It’s good, but definitely a step down from the nose. I’ll give it a 7/10.
Brad: For me, the corn flavor really stands out here, along with some floral notes and clove spice. It’s decent but doesn’t blow me away. I’d score it a little lower with a 6.5/10.
Finish
Bob: The finish is where things get a bit oak-heavy for me. It’s all about the wood at the end, with just a hint of brown sugar hanging around. It doesn’t turn bitter, but it lacks complexity, and there’s no real sweetness left to balance things out. I’m giving it a 7/10, but it’s just okay.
Brad: I had the same experience. The finish just kind of fades into nothing. There’s some oak and corn, but it lacks depth or lingering flavor. I’m going with a 6/10.
Balance
Bob: I feel like this is a well-rounded whiskey, but nothing stands out. It’s consistent but not remarkable, which is why I’m going to give it a 7.5/10. It’s enjoyable, but it doesn’t have any high points that blow me away.
Brad: I actually think the balance was a little off. Each part of the experience gets slightly worse, so I’m going to give it a 6/10.
Value
Bob: At $40 in Ohio, I think Knob Creek 9-Year Bourbon is a bit overpriced. This used to be around $35, which was more reasonable, but at this price point, there are better options available. I’m going to give it a 5.5/10.
Brad: I agree. Even at $35, I don’t think this is a great value. For me, this is a $27 whiskey being sold for $40. I’m giving it a 3.5/10.
Final Scores
Bob: That brings my total score to a 34.5/50. Knob Creek 9-Year is a good whiskey, but nothing about it stands out enough for me to recommend it over similarly priced options.
Brad: I’m at a 29.5/50. While it’s not bad, there are just too many better bourbons in the $30-$40 range for me to recommend this one.
Conclusion
At an average score of 32 out of 50, Knob Creek 9-Year falls just short of the 35/50 mark, which is where we typically start recommending that you at least try a whiskey. While it’s certainly not a bad bourbon, there are better choices in the $30-$40 price range. If you’re looking for a solid starter whiskey, Knob Creek 9-Year might not be the best option, but it could work as a dependable, widely available pour if you find it at a lower price point.
