Knob Creek 9 Year Old is one of those bottles I find myself recommending over and over again, and for good reason. Sitting in the Jim Beam small batch collection, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon hits a sweet spot that a lot of whiskeys in this price range simply miss — it's got age, it's got proof, and it's got character. At 50% ABV (100 proof), this isn't a watered-down crowd-pleaser. It's a bourbon that actually wants to have a conversation with you.
Nine years in charred American oak is a meaningful amount of time. That's longer than most bourbons on the shelf at this price point, and you can tell. The extra maturation gives this whiskey a depth and roundness that younger expressions in the same family just don't have. For around £39.95, you're getting a properly aged, full-proof bourbon — and that's genuinely hard to beat.
What I appreciate about Knob Creek 9 is that it doesn't try to be something it isn't. This is a big, bold, unapologetically American bourbon. The 100 proof bottling strength means nothing has been dialled back for mass appeal. It's the kind of whiskey that rewards you for paying attention, but it's also perfectly drinkable for someone who's just getting into bourbon and wants to understand what the category is capable of at a reasonable price.
Tasting Notes
I'd encourage you to try this one neat first before adding water or ice. At 50% ABV it carries its strength well, but a few drops of water can open things up nicely if you find the proof a bit assertive on the first sip. The nine years of barrel ageing should deliver the kind of rich, full-bodied profile that Kentucky Straight Bourbon is known for — think deep oak influence, warmth, and a satisfying weight on the palate.
The Verdict
Knob Creek 9 Year Old is a proper bourbon. It doesn't cut corners on age or proof, and it doesn't charge you a premium for the privilege. In a market flooded with NAS bourbons bottled at 40% and dressed up with fancy packaging, this bottle is refreshingly straightforward — here's a well-aged, full-strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon at a fair price. That honesty counts for a lot in my book. At 7.5 out of 10, this is a confident recommendation. It's not going to change your life, but it'll make your evening better, and you won't feel short-changed when you look at the receipt. This is a workhorse bourbon that earns its place on any home bar.
Best Served
This is an outstanding Old Fashioned bourbon. The 100 proof means it stands up beautifully to dilution from the ice, and the age gives it enough complexity to carry the drink without being overwhelmed by the sugar and bitters. Two dashes of Angostura, a barspoon of demerara syrup, a big rock of ice, and an orange peel — that's it. Don't overcomplicate it. If you prefer it neat, try it at room temperature in a Glencairn and give it five minutes to breathe. You'll be glad you did.
