Knob Creek Bourbon 375ML is a 100 proof (50% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon in a 375ml bottle, produced at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. It earned a Double Gold medal and “Best Bourbon” title at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a 98-point Gold Medal at the 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition, placing it among the most decorated bourbons in its class.Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof) | Origin: Clermont, Kentucky, USA | NAS (No Age Statement) | Distillery: Jim BeamProduction & HeritageKnob Creek was created by legendary master distiller Booker Noe — grandson of Jim Beam — and launched in 1992 as part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection. The mashbill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley is distilled to approximately 130 proof and entered into new American white oak barrels at around 125 proof. Those barrels receive a Level 4 char — the deepest char available, with roughly 55 seconds of applied flame — which pulls maximum caramel and vanilla character from the wood. Originally bottled with a 9-year age statement, the standard expression transitioned to NAS (no age statement) around 2016, though the bourbon continues to be aged to a flavor profile consistent with the brand’s established legacy.Tasting NotesAroma: Rich caramel and toasted oak lead the nose, followed by lightly toasted marshmallow and a measured undercurrent of vanilla. A trace of rye spice emerges as the bourbon opens up in the glass.Taste: The entry is bold and full-bodied, with brown sugar and caramel meeting baking spices — clove, nutmeg, and black pepper — across the mid-palate. Oak becomes more prominent at the peak, balanced by a restrained vanilla sweetness that avoids cloying territory. A subtle dark cherry note rounds out the spice.Finish: Long and warming, with aged oak and rye spice lingering alongside a touch of leather. The 100-proof strength carries the finish without harsh burn, tapering into dry cedar and residual caramel.How to Drink Knob CreekAt 100 proof, Knob Creek performs well neat or with a few drops of water to open the caramel and spice layers; it also holds its own over a large rock without losing character. Its bold proof and deep flavor make it a natural fit for cocktails: an Old Fashioned benefits from the bourbon’s heavy oak and brown sugar backbone; a Bourbon Sour gains extra dimension from the rye spice and caramel sweetness; and a Manhattan pairs the rich vanilla-oak profile with sweet vermouth in a way that keeps the whiskey front and center.Best For Stocking a home bar with a versatile, full-proof bourbon in a manageable format Sampling a benchmark Kentucky bourbon without committing to a full 750ml Mixing cocktails that require a whiskey with enough backbone to stand up to other ingredients Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values bold, barrel-driven flavor Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Knob Creek taste like? Knob Creek delivers a bold, full-bodied profile dominated by caramel, toasted oak, and baking spices like clove, nutmeg, and black pepper, with supporting notes of brown sugar, vanilla, and dark cherry.How does Knob Creek compare to Four Roses Small Batch? Both are widely respected Kentucky bourbons at similar price points, but Knob Creek’s higher 100-proof bottling strength and heavier oak influence from Level 4 char barrels give it a bolder, more barrel-forward character compared to Four Roses Small Batch’s lighter, more floral and fruit-forward profile at 90 proof.Is Knob Creek good for sipping neat? The 100-proof strength delivers concentrated flavor without excessive heat, and adding a splash of water releases additional caramel and vanilla nuances that reward slow sipping.Where is Knob Creek made? Knob Creek is produced at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Bullitt County, Kentucky, one of the largest and longest-operating bourbon distilleries in the United States.What foods pair well with Knob Creek? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the deep oak and spice; dark chocolate highlights the caramel and vanilla; sharp cheddar contrasts the sweetness; pecan pie echoes the brown sugar and toasted nut qualities; and grilled steak matches the bold, full-bodied structure.What sizes does Knob Creek come in? Knob Creek Bourbon is available in 375ml, 750ml, and 1L bottles, with the 375ml size serving as a convenient option for personal sampling or travel.Is Knob Creek worth the price? Knob Creek positions as a premium bourbon that consistently punches above its price tier, backed by a 98-point Gold Medal at the 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.Why Knob Creek?Few bourbons in their price range carry the depth of critical recognition Knob Creek has earned — a 98-point Gold Medal from the International Wine & Spirits Competition (2022), Double Gold and “Best Bourbon” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2015), and a 92-point rating from Wine Enthusiast. The Level 4 char barrels and full 100-proof bottling strength produce a bourbon with genuine barrel character that many competitors dilute away. Created by Booker Noe as part of the original Jim Beam Small Batch Collection, Knob Creek helped define the category that sparked bourbon’s modern resurgence. The 375ml format provides a practical entry point into one of Kentucky’s most critically acclaimed straight bourbons.
