Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Review: The Complete UK Buyer's Guide
Bottom Line Up Front: Knob Creek Small Batch delivers exceptional value at £33-46, offering 100-proof strength, a transparent 9-year age statement, and robust oak-forward flavors that outperform most competitors in its price range.
- Aged Bourbon^70cl^9 Year Old^2015 Silver Outstanding Medal Winner - International Wine & Spirits Competition^IWSC Awards...
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Statement | 9 Years (returned in 2020) |
| Proof/ABV | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Distillery | Jim Beam, Clermont, Kentucky |
| UK Price Range | £33.99 – £47.25 (accessed 28 Aug 2025) |
| Bottle Size | 70cl standard |
| Best UK Retailer | The Whisky Reserve (£33.99) (accessed 28 Aug 2025) |
Table of Contents About Knob Creek Small Batch
What Makes Knob Creek Stand Out
The Return of the 9-Year Promise
Knob Creek made headlines in 2016 when Beam Suntory controversially removed the age statement due to supply constraints. The bourbon community's disappointment was swift and vocal—the NAS version lacked the depth and complexity that defined the brand.
The 9-year age statement returned to the Small Batch bottle in 2020, a move celebrated as a victory for transparency and quality. This history matters because it demonstrates the brand's commitment to its core promise: pre-Prohibition style bourbon with substance.
Production Philosophy: Pre-Prohibition Powerhouse
Created in 1992 by master distiller Booker Noe as part of Jim Beam's Small Batch Collection, Knob Creek positions the core bourbon as pre-Prohibition-style—full-proof and patiently aged—rather than a modern, lighter profile.
Key Production Elements:
- Mash Bill: Beam doesn't publish it; it's widely reported as 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
- Aging: Minimum 9 years in new American oak; Jim Beam specifies level-4 'alligator' char barrels
- Proof: 100 proof (50% ABV). Note: standard Small Batch is chill-filtered; the Single Barrel variant is noted as not chill-filtered (corroboration: Whisky.com bottle record shows 'Chill filtration – With' for KC 9)
- Philosophy: Maximum flavor extraction through extended aging and higher proof
Detailed Tasting Analysis
Note: Based on multiple tastings over 18 months, including side-by-side comparisons with Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey 101
Appearance
Deep copper to dark amber with noticeable viscosity. When swirled in a Glencairn glass, it forms thick legs that move deliberately down the sides—a visual confirmation of the natural oils preserved by skipping chill-filtration.
Nose (Aroma)
First Impression: Immediately engaging with robust oak and that unmistakable Jim Beam peanut note Developing Notes: Sweet maple sugar, rich caramel, vanilla extract, brown sugar After 10 Minutes: Light rye spice emerges with cinnamon and nutmeg, plus hints of leather Critical Assessment: While complex, the oak can occasionally dominate lighter notes, especially in colder weather
Palate (Taste)
Initial Hit: Full-bodied mouthfeel with substantial weight—feels premium immediately Mid-Palate Development:
- Oak takes center stage (sometimes aggressively so)
- Vanilla and caramel provide sweetness but can feel secondary
- Brown sugar and honey add depth when they break through
- Building peppery spice that's more intense than the 13% rye suggests
Critical Note: The oak influence can overwhelm casual drinkers. At times, it borders on overly tannic, making this less approachable than softer bourbons like Maker's Mark.
Expert Opinion: Fred Minnick notes the "signature Beam nuttiness shines," while some reviewers describe it as having an "almost fruity quality" that adds brightness to the woody profile.
Finish
Long and warming, but here's where the astringency becomes most apparent. The oak tannins create a drying sensation that, while authentic to well-aged bourbon, can be off-putting for those expecting smoothness. Lingering vanilla and caramel sweetness provides some relief, but the finish definitely skews dry and woody.
Expert Rating Breakdown
Overall Score: 8.5/10
| Category | Score | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Value | 9/10 | Exceptional for 9-year age statement at this price |
| Flavor | 8/10 | Rich and complex, but oak can overwhelm |
| Complexity | 7/10 | Good depth, though not as nuanced as craft offerings |
| Finish | 8/10 | Long and satisfying, but astringency divisive |
| Versatility | 9/10 | Works neat, rocks, or cocktails equally well |
| Availability | 7/10 | Distribution is broad, though stock can fluctuate—for example, The Whisky Exchange currently lists KC 9 as 'Out of stock' (checked 28 Aug 2025) |
| Beginner-Friendly | 6/10 | 100-proof and oak intensity may intimidate newcomers |
| Innovation | 6/10 | Traditional approach, not cutting-edge |
What The Experts Say:
"Rich, sweet, woody, full-bodied...the signature Beam nuttiness shines" - Fred Minnick, bourbon expert
"Great flavor-to-price ratio" - Breaking Bourbon
"Solid, dependable bourbon that offers good value for its age statement and proof" - Multiple professional reviews
Critical Industry Perspective: At 8.6/10 across 21 professional reviews, Knob Creek consistently rates above average for its price category, though it rarely achieves the highest scores reserved for premium craft offerings.
UK Market Comparison: Knob Creek vs. Competition
| Bourbon | UK Price | Proof | Age | Value Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knob Creek 9 Year | £33.99-£45.75 | 100 | 9 Years | 9/10 | Sipping, cocktails |
| Buffalo Trace | £20-£28 | 90 | NAS | 8/10 | Entry-level, mixing |
| Wild Turkey 101 | £30-£40 | 101 | NAS | 7/10 | Bold flavor seekers |
| Elijah Craig Small Batch | £28-£35 | 94 | NAS | 6/10 | Smooth sippers |
| Woodford Reserve | £32-£40 | 90.4 | NAS | 6/10 | Gift giving |
| Maker's Mark | £25-£32 | 90 | NAS | 7/10 | Wheat bourbon fans |
Key Takeaway: Knob Creek is one of the few age-stated bourbons under £50 in the UK—e.g., Eagle Rare 10 Year often lists at £44.95 (stocks vary).
When to Choose the Competition Instead
Buffalo Trace is better if:
- TASTING NOTES: Enjoy the complex aroma of vanilla, mint and molasses, and the pleasantly sweet taste with notes of brown...
- You're new to bourbon (lighter, more approachable)
- Budget is priority (£15 less expensive)
- You prefer sweeter, less tannic profiles
- Mixing cocktails where subtlety matters (lighter base won't overpower)
For a detailed comparison, see our complete Buffalo Trace bourbon review.
Wild Turkey 101 is better if:
- Wild Turkey 101 is a bold 101-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, crafted with unwavering dedication for over 60 ye...
- Made the right way, cutting no corners, and aged longer than legally required in American white oak barrels with the dee...
- Rich and robust, with deep flavors imparted by the charred oak barrels, offering a bold and complex profile
- You want more fruit-forward character
- You prefer rye spice over oak tannins
- You need consistent availability (better UK stock levels)
- You enjoy a slightly higher proof without the oak intensity
Learn more in our comprehensive Wild Turkey 101 bourbon guide.
Elijah Craig wins if:
- SMALL BATCH: Long before the term Small Batch even existed, our distillers were hand-selecting just a select number of b...
- FULL OF CHARACTER: Elijah Craig is the signature Bourbon bearing the name of Reverend Elijah Craig, a Bourbon pioneer wh...
- HERITAGE: Elijah Craig is made at Heaven Hill’s Distillery and Rickhouses in Kentucky. Heaven Hill is the only heritage ...
- You want Heaven Hill's signature caramel sweetness
- Oak dominance isn't your preference
- You're seeking a smoother, more mellow experience
- Price sensitivity matters (typically £5-10 cheaper)
Cocktail Applications: Beyond the Old Fashioned
Classic Old Fashioned
Why it works: 100-proof backbone stands up to sugar and bitters while oak notes integrate beautifully. For more options, check our guide to the best bourbon for Old Fashioned cocktails.
- 2 oz Knob Creek Small Batch
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist
Manhattan
Perfect for: The spice notes complement sweet vermouth
- 2 oz Knob Creek Small Batch
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Cherry garnish
Whiskey Sour
Why it shines: High proof cuts through citrus while maintaining bourbon character
- 2 oz Knob Creek Small Batch
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Egg white (optional)
Boulevard
Advanced option: Complex enough for spirit-forward cocktails
- 1.5 oz Knob Creek Small Batch
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 0.5 oz Campari
- Orange twist
UK Pricing & Where to Buy
Best Value Retailers
- The Whisky Reserve: £33.99 (best price)
- Ocado: £35.00 (often on offer from £42)
- Master of Malt: £39.50
- House of Malt: £39.50
- Secret Bottle Shop: £39.95
- Amazon UK: £40-43 (varies by seller)
- The Whisky Exchange: £42-44 (premium service)
Price Per Litre Analysis
At £33.99 (The Whisky Reserve), you're paying £48.56 per litre—exceptional value for a 9-year, 100-proof bourbon.
Purchase Links:
- The Whisky Reserve - Best Price
- Ocado - Convenient Delivery
- Master of Malt - Specialist Service
- Amazon UK - Fast Prime Delivery
- The Whisky Exchange - Premium Packaging
The Complete Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for 9-year age-stated bourbon
- Consistent quality and wide availability
- Versatile: Works neat, on rocks, or in cocktails
- Full flavor profile with good balance of sweet and spice
- Manageable proof despite 100-proof strength
- Transparent aging with clear 9-year statement
- Full-proof bottling maintains whiskey character; note that standard Small Batch is chill-filtered, while the Single Barrel release is not
Cons
- Oak can be dominant for some palates
- Not particularly complex compared to higher-end offerings
- Finish can be drying with some astringency
- Jim Beam house character may not appeal to all bourbon drinkers
- Limited availability at some UK retailers
Knob Creek Beyond Small Batch: The Complete Lineup
Understanding where Small Batch fits within Knob Creek's portfolio helps contextualize this review:
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve (£60-80)
- 120 proof, hand-selected barrels
- More intense, variable expression of the same base recipe
- For experienced bourbon drinkers seeking maximum impact
Knob Creek Rye 7 Year (£45-55)
- Officially age-stated at 7 years and bottled at 100 proof (mash bill undisclosed)
- Spicier, more peppery than the bourbon
- Shows Knob Creek's versatility beyond corn-based spirits
Knob Creek 12 Year (£70-90)
- Limited release, higher proof versions
- Demonstrates what extended aging does to the Small Batch profile
- Typically more refined but also more expensive
Cask Strength options: The Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon shows 127.1 proof on the official spec; brand news pegs bourbon picks ranging ~110–130 proof (batch-dependent) (press detail)
The Small Batch 9 Year sits as the accessible entry point to this lineup, offering the core Knob Creek experience without the premium pricing of specialty releases.
Final Verdict: Is Knob Creek Worth It?
For £33-46, absolutely. Knob Creek Small Batch represents one of the best value propositions in bourbon today. The combination of transparency (9-year age statement), strength (100 proof), and quality places it firmly in "benchmark bourbon" territory. For more excellent options in this price range, explore our guide to the best bourbon under £100.
Perfect for:
- Bourbon newcomers wanting to experience aged, higher-proof whiskey
- Experienced drinkers seeking reliable quality for home bars
- Cocktail enthusiasts needing robust base spirits
- Value seekers wanting premium characteristics without premium prices
Skip if:
- You prefer lighter, sweeter bourbons
- Oak-forward profiles aren't your preference
- You're seeking cutting-edge craft distillery innovation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does Knob Creek Small Batch cost in the UK?
A: £33.99-£45.75 depending on retailer. The Whisky Reserve offers the best price at £33.99.
Q: What proof is Knob Creek Small Batch?
A: 100 proof (50% ABV), making it stronger than most mainstream bourbons.
Q: How old is Knob Creek Small Batch?
A: 9 years. The age statement returned in 2020 after being removed in 2016.
Q: Is Knob Creek better than Buffalo Trace?
A: Yes for sipping neat - higher proof and older age provide more complexity. Buffalo Trace wins for beginners and mixing.
Q: What does Knob Creek taste like?
A: Oak-forward with caramel, vanilla, and peanut notes. Spicier and more tannic than most bourbons.
Q: Can beginners drink 100-proof bourbon?
A: Knob Creek is manageable for beginners despite the proof, but start with ice or a splash of water.
Q: Where can I buy Knob Creek in the UK?
A: Available at The Whisky Reserve, Ocado, Master of Malt, and most major online retailers.
Q: Is Knob Creek good for cocktails?
A: Excellent - the 100-proof backbone holds up perfectly in Old Fashioneds and Manhattans.
Q: What's Knob Creek's mash bill?
A: 75% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley - a traditional low-rye bourbon recipe.
Q: Should I buy Knob Creek or Wild Turkey 101?
A: Knob Creek for the age statement and oakier profile; Wild Turkey 101 for bolder spice and fruit notes.
Rating: 8.5/10 - Outstanding value and quality that consistently over-delivers for its price point. A essential bottle for any serious bourbon collection.
Prices accurate at time of publication
