Knob Creek 15 Years Review

Knob Creek 15 Years was the cherry-on-the-top of a banner year (2020) for Knob Creek fans. The KC small batch got its 9-year age statement back, the 12-year-old Knob Creek became a permanent part of the core releases and this 15 yo limited edition hit the market at a not-insane price. Helluva year for KC and JB.

I talked a bit about pricing in the KC 12 review (linked above), but when was the last time you saw a 15-year-old bourbon on the market for under $150? 2013? I honestly can’t remember, I’ve gotten so used to seeing triple-digit pricing for double-digit age that I’ve lost track.  But enough money talk, let’s get into some whiskey talk.

Knob Creek 15 Years – Details and Tasting Notes

Whiskey Details

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Jim Beam
Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 15 Years
ABV: 50%

Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Price: $100*

Tasting Notes

EYE
Polished oak

NOSE
Heavy oaky depth and dried cherries, caramel, nuts, copper, musty spice, char and some light vanilla and menthol. This is heavy, like coats-the-sinuses-level heavy, and I love every second of it.

PALATE
Heavy oaky depth and dried cherries, caramel, nuts, copper, musty spice, char and some light vanilla and menthol. A carbon copy of the aroma but with the earthy-rustic-farmy-darkly-sweet profile dialed up a notch and making it feel like this Knob Creek 15 Years gets heavier as it goes.

FINISH
Long -> Oak, caramel, dark fruit, spice fade out in a way that’s almost light… odd.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Great balance, full body and a warm oily feel.

Knob Creek 15 Years – Overall Thoughts and Score

This is freaking good. Not a significant jump over the Knob Creek 12, but enough to say if I had to pick between the two I’d pick the 15 by a hair. Both are excellent and showcase how good Knob Creek can be at higher ages. It’s a brand that wears age well.

I know it all has to do with the barrel picking, warehouse location, etc. so they can grab the flavor they’re looking for, but that’s the challenge and they meet it well. It’s often hard to reconcile releases like this with the standard Jim Beam White. Compared to the JB core, Knob Creek 15 Years is a world away without ever leaving the distillery grounds.

SCORE: 4/5

*Disclosure: The sample for this bourbon review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.

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