Knob Creek Bourbon X Rye Blended Whiskey Review.

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 Knob Creek Bourbon X Rye Blended Whiskey Review.



    Jim Beam has been on a roll this year, and this release certainly piqued my interest. Here in 2024 they have been doing some great releases with the Jim Beam Black getting an age statement, the Knob Creek Rye following suit. Even the Baker's lineup going a "High Rye" and the Winter reserve release. But, I'll be honest, I didn't have a bourye on my bingo sheet for any of the big distilleries. First, what is a bourye. Well essentially this is where a release is a blend of both a bourbon and a rye. A lot of times people think of Redwood Empire with the Lost Monarch or High West with their Bourye. 
   
    Now I will give Knob creek some props. They are using their two current releases for this; the 9 year bourbon and the 7 year rye. So keeping at least a 7 year age statement on this is great. Plus it helps making it feel less of a cash grab release. Now the question still bugs me...does this bottling even need to exist? 


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/W62yC8CKQ-s

Age Statement: 7 years. 

ABV: 56.5%.

Blend: 9 year-old bourbon (30%) and 7 year-old rye (70%).

Area of Distillation: Clermont, Kentucky.

Appearance: Golden Amber.


On the nose:
    Right away, the rye’s character dominates with its spicy, herbal, and floral notes. It’s fresh yet warm, with hints of sweet peach and pear. The bourbon side brings buttery sweetness, vanilla, and a touch of char, although it takes a back seat here. The overall nose is rich, inviting, and complex but doesn't stray too far from the 70/30 blend. I was curious if they should've gone with a 60/40 to let the bourbon come out a bit more, but at the end of the day I am pleasantly surprised.


Taste:
    On the palate, this blend showcases Knob Creek’s signature nuttiness from the bourbon, layered with the rye’s distinct spicy and herbal qualities. Right away, you’re met with a bold rye spiciness, reminiscent of an Old Fashioned, with herbal, medicinal notes, hints of orange peel, and a whisper of green apple sweetness. As it opens up, the corn adds a buttery, slightly dusty sweetness that balances out the rye’s spice. There’s also a mild warmth, perhaps heightened by the higher 56.5% ABV, that elevates the pepper and oak-char flavors. It’s a lively sip, full of contrasts between sweet, spicy, and earthy undertones.


Finish:
    The finish is long and warming, building in intensity with each sip. Notes of pepper, cinnamon stick, and a touch of clove emerge, with the rye’s herbal spice and oak char really lingering. The bourbon’s influence comes through more subtly, adding a smooth, creamy depth that rounds out the finish. It’s an evolving experience that leaves a balanced impression of spice, sweetness, and aged oak, with a satisfying hint of char that carries the complexity through to the end.


Final Thoughts: 
    If you’re a fan of Jim Beam products and appreciate a good bourbon-rye fusion, Knob Creek Bourbon X Rye deserves a spot on your shelf, especially if they keep it around that $40 price point. I came into this review expecting for more of a head scratcher and questions of why this exists. Now, I think, for the right price, it should.


Rating: B- (Slighty above average).

Cost: $40.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/W62yC8CKQ-s

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt

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