Knob Creek 9 Year Small Batch: A Bold Classic Bourbon

When it comes to bourbon, Knob Creek 9-Year Small Batch stands out as one of the boldest, most flavorful bottles you can find. Whether you’re new to bourbon or a seasoned enthusiast, this classic from the Jim Beam Distillery has earned its place in bourbon history. In this post, we'll take a deep dive into its rich history, explore its flavor profile, and offer some pairing suggestions that will elevate your tasting experience. 🥃

History of Knob Creek Bourbon

A Nod to Pre-Prohibition Style

Booker Noe’s goal was simple: to create a bourbon with the depth and intensity his grandfather's generation would have enjoyed.

He named it after Knob Creek, a small waterway near President Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home, symbolizing a connection to history and the rugged, no-nonsense spirit of Kentucky.

The Jim Beam Distillery: A Legacy of Tradition

Knob Creek is produced at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, a facility with deep roots in American bourbon history. The distillery dates back to the 1790s, when Jacob Beam, a German immigrant, began producing whiskey on his family farm. Over the next two centuries, the Beam family would become one of the most iconic names in bourbon, with each generation refining and perfecting their craft.

When Booker Noe became the master distiller at Jim Beam, he brought his own touch to the family legacy, launching Knob Creek as a throwback to pre-Prohibition bourbon. Today, the distillery continues to uphold its commitment to quality under the watchful eye of Fred Noe, Booker’s son, and the current master distiller. Fred Noe carries on his father's vision, ensuring that Knob Creek remains true to its roots while pushing the boundaries of bourbon craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes: A Bourbon to Savor

One sip of Knob Creek 9-Year Small Batch, and you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite among bourbon lovers. Let’s break down its complex flavor profile:

Appearance

This bourbon pours a deep amber with hints of copper. Its rich color is a testament to the nine years it spent aging in charred American oak barrels, absorbing all the wood's character.

Nose

As you lift the glass, you’re immediately hit with aromas of caramel, vanilla, and a rich toasted oak. There’s also a subtle sweetness reminiscent of maple syrup and dried fruit, making the nose inviting and warm.

Palate

The first sip is bold and full-bodied, with a wave of caramel and oak leading the charge. As the bourbon opens up on your palate, you’ll notice a balanced blend of toasted nuts, vanilla, and spice. The oak from the barrels is unmistakable, providing a structure that complements the sweetness without overpowering it. A hint of smokiness also lingers, adding complexity to each sip.

Finish

The finish is long and warm. The oak and spice slowly fade, leaving a hint of vanilla and a slight peppery kick. The finish makes you want to return for another sip—a hallmark of a well-crafted bourbon. 🥃

Pairing Suggestions: Elevate Your Experience

Pairing Knob Creek 9-Year Small Batch with the right cigar or snack can elevate your bourbon experience to a whole new level. Here are two cigars and two simple snack foods that perfectly complement the bourbon’s flavors.

Cigar Pairing #1: Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story

This medium-bodied cigar is a perfect companion for Knob Creek. Cedar, spice flavors and sweet touches mirror the bourbon’s oak, vanilla, and spice notes. The small size of the Short Story also makes it an excellent choice for a quick, satisfying pairing session.

Cigar Pairing #2: Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro

The Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro is an ideal match for those who prefer a fuller-bodied smoke. Its rich flavors of chocolate, coffee, and spice provide a luxurious contrast to Knob Creek’s bold, sweet profile. The Maduro wrapper adds an extra layer of sweetness that beautifully complements the bourbon’s caramel and vanilla.

Snack Pairing #1: Smoked Almonds

Simple yet effective, smoked almonds bring out the bourbon's nutty, toasty elements. The almonds' slight saltiness also enhances the whiskey's sweetness, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Snack Pairing #2: Dark Chocolate (70%)

If you’re looking for elegance, 70% dark chocolate is the way to go. The bitterness of the chocolate contrasts with the bourbon’s sweetness, while the rich cocoa flavor pairs well with the vanilla and oak in Knob Creek. 🍫

Accolades & Awards: The Bourbon That Shines on the Global Stage 🏆

It’s no surprise that a bourbon as bold and rich as Knob Creek 9-Year Small Batch has earned plenty of recognition over the years. This powerhouse whiskey has not only won the hearts of bourbon enthusiasts but has also racked up an impressive list of awards and accolades from experts worldwide.

Here are just a few of the significant awards that confirm Knob Creek as a true heavyweight in the bourbon world:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition 🌟

• Double Gold Medal (2021): In one of the world’s most respected spirits competitions, Knob Creek 9 Year took home the prestigious Double Gold, recognizing its superior quality and craftsmanship.

International Spirits Challenge 🥇

• Gold Medal (2017, 2020): Knob Creek consistently shines in this global competition, wowing judges with its complex flavor profile and rich depth.

Ultimate Spirits Challenge 🍂

• 95 Points (2020): Scoring an incredible 95/100, Knob Creek 9 Year was hailed for its exceptional balance of sweetness and spice, earning it a spot among the top bourbons in the competition.

Whisky Advocate 🥃

• Top 10 Whiskies of the Year (2019): In a highly competitive field, Knob Creek 9 Year secured a coveted place in Whisky Advocate’s annual list, praised for its robust flavors of oak, vanilla, and caramel.

These accolades speak for themselves. Knob Creek 9-Year Small Batch isn’t just a bourbon—it’s a bourbon that continually proves its place as one of the finest on the market. 🏅

The Legacy of Knob Creek: A Bourbon That Stands the Test of Time

Knob Creek 9-Year Small Batch isn’t just a bourbon – it’s a symbol of what bourbon was meant to be. When Booker Noe created it, his goal was to return to the bold, high-proof whiskies of the past, and in doing so, he made a modern classic.

The rich history, expert craftsmanship, and a full-bodied flavor profile make this bourbon a standout in any collection. Whether you’re sipping it neat, enjoying it with a cigar, or pairing it with a simple snack, Knob Creek 9-Year Small Batch offers a tasting experience that’s hard to beat.

In a world where bourbon is constantly evolving, Knob Creek holds its ground as a reminder of what great bourbon can be – bold, complex, and endlessly enjoyable. So, next time you’re looking for a bourbon that delivers on every level, pour yourself a glass of Knob Creek 9-Year Small Batch and savor the legacy. 🥃

What’s your favorite way to enjoy Knob Creek? Let us know in the comments below! Whether with a fine cigar, a sweet snack, or just on its’ own, we’d love to hear how you experience this legendary bourbon. Cheers! 🍻