Suntory announced on Tuesday that the James B. Beam Distilling Co. announced the release of Knob Creek 21 Year Old, the oldest Knob Creek expression to date. A 21-year age statement doesn’t turn up that often in the bourbon world, and even unicorn brands like Pappy Van Winkle have 20 and 23-year expressions. Knob Creek’s expression has an MSRP of $249.99 for a 750 ml bottle.
“When we first laid this batch to rest, we weren’t chasing any specific age statement — we were focused on crafting a great bourbon, just like we always do,” Eighth Generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe said in a statement. “After I tasted the whiskey, I knew we had something special. After decades in the rackhouse, the liquid developed a richness and balance we knew Knob Creek fans and whiskey enthusiasts would want to try. That’s what makes this release special: it’s bold, full of character, and embodies what Knob Creek stands for.”
The whiskey clocks in at 100 proof, and according to James B. Beam Distilling Co., it is rich and full-flavored. The bourbon features rich aromas of caramelized sugar, smoke and oak. The palate amplifies that char character, which serves as a baseline up until the whiskey’s conclusion. Layers of caramel and fruit interplay throughout the pour, along with toffee and charred wood.
In July, Knob Creek released its well-loved expression, a bourbon and rye whiskey blend. The expression was first released in 2023 and was a smashing success. Knob Creek replicated the formula, with a ratio of 70/30 rye to bourbon. It clocks in at a final proof of 113 and has a suggested retail price of $45.
The brand shared that the release features a flavor combination of vanilla and caramel, complete with a bit of cracked pepper from the rye whiskey at the end.
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