Knob Creek Blender's Edition 10 Year Bourbon 750ML

Knob Creek Blender's Edition 10 Year Bourbon 750ML is a 106-proof (53% ABV), 10-year-aged Kentucky straight bourbon in a 750ml bottle, hand-selected by eighth-generation master distiller Freddie Noe. This expression stands apart within the Knob Creek lineup by spotlighting blending expertise — barrels chosen specifically to emphasize the sweeter, more confectionary dimensions of the brand's signature bold profile.

Quick Facts: ABV: 53% (106 Proof)  |  Origin: Clermont, Kentucky, USA  |  Age: 10 Years  |  Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

James B. Beam Distilling Co. has operated in Clermont, Kentucky, since 1795, making it one of the longest-running bourbon dynasties in the country. The Blender's Edition uses the core Knob Creek mashbill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley, distilled through the facility's column still system and aged for a full decade in new, maximum-charred American white oak barrels. What distinguishes this release is the barrel selection process: rather than standard batching, Freddie Noe and his blending team individually evaluated and married specific barrels to draw out pronounced sweetness and confectionary depth, resulting in a profile that reads differently from the standard Knob Creek 9 Year or Single Barrel expressions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep caramel and charred oak dominate the opening, layered with dark brown sugar and dried orange peel. A secondary wave of baking spice, vanilla frosting, and toasted marshmallow builds as the bourbon opens up in the glass.

Taste: The entry is rich and full-bodied, with immediate dark toffee and vanilla extract coating the palate. The mid-palate shifts to a spicy corridor of black pepper and cinnamon bark, while undertones of maple syrup, ripe cherry, and nougat add confectionary complexity. At 106 proof, the mouthfeel is dense without being aggressive, carrying the sweetness forward effectively.

Finish: Long and warming, with charred oak, bittersweet chocolate, and persistent baking spice trailing well after each sip. A subtle powdered-sugar sweetness lingers beneath the oak tannins, reinforcing the blending team's focus on the sweeter side of the barrel selection.

How to Drink Knob Creek Blender's Edition

Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal starting point — water at this proof opens up the caramel and chocolate layers without flattening the spice. A single large ice cube also works well for warm-weather sipping.

• Old Fashioned: The dark toffee and baking spice make a naturally rich base that requires minimal sweetener, allowing the bourbon's complexity to shine through.
• Manhattan: The 106-proof backbone holds its own against sweet vermouth, and the cherry and vanilla notes complement the cocktail's classic architecture.
• Boulevardier: The charred oak and bittersweet chocolate echo Campari's bitter profile, creating a layered, deeply savory result.

Best For

• Bourbon collectors exploring barrel-selection and blending craft
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who already owns the standard Knob Creek lineup
• Side-by-side tastings comparing blending styles across 10-year bourbons
• After-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or roasted desserts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Knob Creek Blender's Edition taste like? It leads with dark toffee, vanilla extract, and maple syrup sweetness, followed by a spicy mid-palate of black pepper and cinnamon bark, finishing with charred oak and bittersweet chocolate. The overall profile skews sweeter and more confectionary than the standard Knob Creek expressions.

How does Knob Creek Blender's Edition compare to Russell's Reserve 10 Year? Both are 10-year-aged Kentucky straight bourbons, but the Blender's Edition is bottled at 106 proof versus Russell's Reserve at 90 proof, delivering a noticeably richer and more intense experience. Knob Creek also uses a higher-corn mashbill (77% corn, 13% rye) while Russell's Reserve relies on Wild Turkey's lower-corn, higher-rye recipe, giving it a spicier, leaner character by comparison.

Is Knob Creek Blender's Edition good for sipping neat? Absolutely — at 106 proof it carries significant weight and complexity that reward slow, undiluted sipping. A few drops of water can further unlock the caramel and chocolate layers for those who find the proof slightly intense.

Where is Knob Creek Blender's Edition made? It is produced at James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, one of the oldest continuously operating bourbon distilleries in the United States, founded in 1795. The barrels age in Beam's sprawling Kentucky rickhouses, where seasonal temperature swings drive flavor extraction from the maximum-charred oak.

What foods pair well with Knob Creek Blender's Edition? Dark chocolate truffles complement the bittersweet finish; smoked brisket mirrors the charred oak and pepper notes; pecan pie echoes the caramel and brown sugar sweetness; aged cheddar contrasts the toffee richness with savory sharpness; and bread pudding with caramel sauce amplifies the bourbon's confectionary core.

What sizes does Knob Creek Blender's Edition come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Knob Creek Blender's Edition worth the price? It positions as a premium expression within the Knob Creek range, sitting above the standard 9 Year but justified by a full decade of aging, barrel-by-barrel curation, and 106-proof bottling strength — a combination that delivers well above typical entry-level bourbon territory.

Why Knob Creek Blender's Edition?

What separates this release from the broader Knob Creek portfolio is intent: Freddie Noe and his blending team didn't simply age bourbon to ten years and bottle it. They individually selected barrels that accentuated sweetness, confectionary depth, and vanilla-forward richness, then married them to create a profile deliberately distinct from the brand's bolder, spice-driven core. The 106-proof bottling strength preserves every nuance of that blending work without chill filtration dulling the texture. For drinkers who appreciate the Knob Creek house style but want to explore what targeted barrel selection can do to shift the flavor conversation, this expression makes a compelling case.