Review #2601 – Knob Creek 21 Year (KC001, 2025 Release)

The Schtick: Distilled by Jim Beam and aged at least 21 years, this is the first release (and possibly only release) of Knob Creek 21 Year. Found between $250 and $300 typically, this bottling is at 50% ABV and continues to show off Beam’s impressive, aged, stocks. Can it compare to the previous 18 year release? Let’s dive in.

Age: None.

---

Review #2601 | Bourbon Review #1126

Distiller: Jim Beam

Bottler: Jim Beam

Brand: Knob Creek

Selection: None – General LTO Release

ABV: 50% ABV

Age: 21 Years

---

Nose: Rich toffee, loads of oak and tobacco, some peanut brittle and soft caramels. It’s oaky on the nose but far from too oaky. It’s complex, really indulgent.

Taste: Palate is moderate to rich with the proof showing nicely. 50% is a great place to have bottled this with tons of peanut brittle, soft sweet oak, parchment and old tobacco and pipes. A hint of cherry and orange peel, mostly decadent caramels, peanut brittle and some vanilla bean. Noticeably devoid of bitter, tannic, nastiness that would point to over-aging.

Finish: Long finish. Star of the show with brown butter, molasses, maple candies, tobacco, peanut brittle and an eternal, soft, opulent, tobacco and oak note.

Overall: This release led me to wonder whether this would be too old for Knob Creek but the answer is a resounding ‘no’ – this is decadent and complex and totally balanced. It’s a no brainer to own if you love good bourbon. It’s ridiculous.

Thanks for reading!

Rank: 9

---