Knob Creek Blender's Edition 01 Bourbon Whiskey Review.
Knob Creek stepping into a “blender’s edition” series honestly caught me off guard in a good way. For a brand that already has such a recognizable identity, seeing them experiment with different batch concepts feels like a smart move rather than a risky one. When I found this bottle at a surprisingly low price, it went from “I’ll pass on the hype” to “okay, you’ve convinced me.”
This first batch sits right in the middle of the Knob Creek lineup with a 10-year age statement and a slightly higher proof than the standard offerings. The idea behind this release is simple but interesting. Instead of chasing extreme oak or pushing toward high proof, this batch seems designed to highlight a sweeter and more approachable side of the brand’s profile.
What makes this bottle stand out isn’t just the age or proof, but the concept behind it. This is meant to be the first in a sequence of releases where different batches highlight different characteristics of Knob Creek. If future editions continue exploring specific flavor directions, this series could end up being one of the more interesting things the brand has done in a long time.
Age Statement: 10 years.
ABV: 53%.
Mash bill: N/A.
Area of Distillation: Clermont, Kentucky.
Appearance: Light coffee.
On the nose:
On the nose:
The first thing that stands out is sweetness. Caramel and vanilla cream hit immediately, followed by something that leans close to buttercream icing. There’s still a solid layer of oak underneath, but instead of heavy char it comes across as softer and sweeter. A little bit of herbal spice and a light nuttiness show up in the background, but overall the nose feels very inviting and surprisingly dessert-like.
Taste:
The sweetness carries over nicely without becoming overwhelming. Vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch take the lead while the oak stays present but much softer than expected for a 10-year bourbon. There’s a subtle apple sweetness that leans toward fresh rather than baked, along with a pastry-like note that almost feels like an apple turnover with a light drizzle of vanilla icing. The proof is incredibly well-handled, with no harshness and no off notes. It still tastes unmistakably like Knob Creek, just in a smoother and slightly sweeter form.
Finish:
The finish is clean and easygoing, with soft oak and lingering vanilla sweetness. It doesn’t try to overwhelm the palate or stretch too long, but it remains satisfying and balanced. What stands out most is how cohesive the entire experience feels from start to finish.
Final Thoughts:
Knob Creek Blender’s Edition No. 1 doesn’t reinvent the brand, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it highlights a different angle of the classic Knob Creek profile by leaning into sweetness and approachability without losing the identity that fans already enjoy. It’s smooth enough for casual sipping but still interesting enough for someone who already knows the lineup.
Where this bottle really shines is value. At lower prices, this feels like a steal for a 10-year bourbon at this proof point. Even at slightly higher pricing, it still offers a balanced and enjoyable pour that works both neat and in cocktails. If the goal of this series is to showcase different sides of Knob Creek, this first release absolutely succeeds.
Rating: B (Above average).
Cost: $35.99 for 750ml.
Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt.
Comments
Post a Comment