Knob Creek 12 Year Old Bourbon: A Comprehensive Review

Knob Creek 12 Year Bourbon is one of the newest and most exciting releases from the Jim Beam family. Known for its deep, complex flavors and rich history, it has quickly become a favorite for bourbon enthusiasts. This release marks a milestone for Knob Creek, a brand renowned for its high-quality, small-batch bourbons. The 12-year-old expression takes everything fans love about the brand to the next level, offering an aged, refined bourbon with layers of flavor that stand out in both aroma and taste. Knob Creek bourbon for sale.

History of Knob Creek

Knob Creek’s story begins with Booker Noe, the legendary master distiller from Jim Beam. Introduced in 1992, the brand was named after Knob Creek, a small creek near Booker’s childhood home in Kentucky. The first Knob Creek bourbon was a 9-year-old expression, and it set the standard for future releases under the brand’s umbrella. Knob Creek became famous for its bold, flavorful profile and commitment to small-batch distilling, creating a smooth, but full-bodied drink.

In 2020, the brand introduced its 12-Year-Old expression to commemorate its rich legacy and celebrate its dedication to excellence. By offering an aged version of their signature bourbon, Knob Creek redefined what was possible in the bourbon world, and it quickly garnered attention for both its age statement and the impressive blend of flavors it offers.

What Is Knob Creek 12-Year-Old Bourbon?

Knob Creek 12 Old is a high-proof bourbon that sits comfortably in the middle of the Knob Creek lineup in terms of its age, offering both classic and contemporary whiskey flavors. Bottled at 100 proof, it possesses a robust flavor profile that’s bold, yet refined, thanks to the extended aging process. The whiskey’s base of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley is distilled in copper stills and aged in charred American oak barrels to produce the signature dark amber hue and rich flavor characteristics.

This expression is marked by its smoothness and balance, which comes from more than a decade of maturation. While some bourbons can be sharp or harsh after aging, Knob Creek 12-Year-Old masterfully integrates flavors from the barrel while maintaining smoothness that bourbon lovers appreciate.

Tasting Notes of Knob Creek 12-Year-Old Bourbon

When you first pour Knob Creek 12 Bourbon into a glass, the rich amber color strikes you. Swirling it gently reveals an impressive set of aromas. The nose opens with sweet caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, along with a light smokiness. Upon the first sip, you notice the body is full but not overwhelming, with deep flavors of dark fruit, burnt sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The oak influence is notable but balanced, creating a toasty, slightly smoky finish.

What sets this bourbon apart is the way the flavors evolve on the palate. Each sip uncovers a new layer, and the spice from the rye adds a pleasant warmth that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the corn. The long finish lingers, imparting flavors of leather, tobacco, and dark chocolate.

What People Also Ask about Knob Creek 12-Year-Old Bourbon

1. How much does Knob Creek 12 Year Old cost?

K.C 12-Year-Old Bourbon typically costs around $50 to $65 for a 750ml bottle, making it a premium bourbon that’s relatively affordable compared to other age-statement bourbons.

2. Where can I buy Knob Creek 12 Year Old Bourbon?

You can find K.C 12-Year-Old Bourbon at well-stocked liquor stores, both online and brick-and-mortar. It is also available through retail chains that sell fine spirits.

3. What’s the difference between Knob Creek 12 Year old and Knob Creek 9-Year-Old?

The primary difference between the two expressions is the age. K.C 12-Year-Old has been aged for three more years than the 9-Year-Old, giving it a deeper, richer profile with more barrel influence, showcasing complex flavors of dried fruit, oak, and vanilla. While both have robust, full-bodied flavors, the 12-Year-Old offers greater depth and smoothness due to longer aging.

4. What is the proof of Knob Creek 12 Year Old?

K.C 12-Year-Old Bourbon is bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume), making it a higher-proof whiskey that retains a strong flavor even when diluted with water or ice.

5. Is Knob Creek 12 Year Old a good bourbon for sipping or mixing?

K.C 12-Year-Old is an excellent choice for sipping due to its smooth, complex profile, but it can also work well in cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan if you want to enhance the drink with a stronger bourbon presence.

The Quality of Knob Creek’s Aging Process

One of the most important aspects of K.C 12-Year-Old Bourbon is its aging process. Aging bourbon for 12 years allows the whiskey to extract flavors from the charred oak barrels, developing complexity over time. The whiskey undergoes its maturation in a carefully controlled environment to ensure optimal flavors without becoming overly woody or tannic.

The extended aging also smooths out harsher notes that some younger bourbons may have, allowing the spices, fruits, and vanilla notes to balance perfectly. This long maturation gives K.C 12-Year-Old its characteristic richness and depth while maintaining its signature smooth texture. The decision to go with a 12-year aging process reflects Knob Creek’s commitment to producing premium bourbons that can stand the test of time.

Knob Creek’s Legacy of Craftsmanship

Since its creation, Knob Creek has always prioritized quality and craftsmanship, creating high-proof bourbons that deliver both strength and smoothness. Whether you’re enjoying the 9-Year-Old, the 12-Year-Old, or the limited editions, each bottle exemplifies the distillery’s dedication to producing well-crafted and bold bourbons. The new release of Knob Creek 12-Year-Old represents both the brand’s rich heritage and its commitment to continued innovation.

The iconic, deep amber color, bold flavor notes, and distinct smokiness of the bourbon encapsulate the spirit of Knob Creek and honor its legacy as one of the best American craft distilleries.

Why is Knob Creek 12-Year-Old Special?

Knob Creek Bourbon whiskey stands out for several reasons. First, the longer aging process gives it a depth and richness that immediately sets it apart from younger expressions. Second, despite the extended aging, the bourbon is balanced, avoiding the over-oaked or bitter notes often associated with older whiskies. Additionally, its relatively moderate price point compared to other similarly aged bourbons makes it an accessible luxury for aficionados and casual drinkers alike.

For connoisseurs, Knob Creek 12-Year-Old delivers an experience that honors traditional distilling methods while pushing the boundaries of flavor and style. For newcomers to bourbon, it’s a fantastic way to experience a quality, well-aged bourbon at a price that’s manageable.

Final Thoughts: The Excellence of Knob Creek 12-Year-Old Bourbon

In conclusion, Knob Creek 12-Year-Old Bourbon delivers on all the promises of its age statement and heritage. With deep, complex flavors of vanilla, oak, fruit, and spice, it offers a smooth yet full-bodied taste that’s hard to beat in the bourbon world. Its remarkable balance between strong barrel influence and refined smoothness makes it perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

This bourbon isn’t just about being aged for 12 years; it’s about achieving a harmonious flavor profile that respects traditional distilling practices. Whether you’re a whiskey novice or a long-time enthusiast, K.C 12-Year-Old provides an accessible, exceptional experience that demonstrates the brand’s commitment to quality and flavor craftsmanship.

K.C has delivered a timeless bourbon that is a great addition to any enthusiast’s collection and will remain a must-try for years to come.