If you are new to this website, I will let you know that I often tend to lean towards older aged stated bourbons and absolutely love a good “oaky” bourbon. This does not mean I will not buy, try, and review other bourbons, this just means these characteristics are what my palate prefers. Now please do not take this as if you do not like oak or do not want to spend more for older bourbons right now, that you should not continue reading. This is more educational in stating that everyone’s palate is different, and if you continue to explore bourbon and whiskey, your palate too will develop to a point in which you gravitate toward certain ages and characteristics. Today’s review comes from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. and is this year’s annual release of Knob Creek 18-Year-Old (KC003-2024).

From the Knob Creek Website: This limited-edition release celebrates the time, effort, and commitment to our never-ending pursuit of craft. Aged twice as long as our flagship bourbon, Knob Creek 18-Year-Old owes its rich copper color and deep notes of caramelized oak to its extensive aging in our Kentucky rack houses.

• Distiller: Distilled and Bottled by James B. Beam Distilling Co.
• Mash Bill: 77% Corn, 13% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley
• Proof: 100
• Age: 18
• Year: 2024
• 2024 MSRP: $169
• 2024 National Average: $259
• Official Website

Unlike the first two annual releases of this bottle, the 2024 release was quite easy to find and is still available at MSRP in several stores across NoCo. Knowing that this bourbon was number two on my 2023 best bourbons and ryes list, I did not even hesitate to purchase this bottle when I found it on the shelf before it was supposed to be released. Overall, this amazingly balanced, glorious sweet oak bomb, with my favorite note to date of Jujyfruits Candy, just might even be better than the 2023 release! It is crazy to say, especially with the pricing has gone, but 2024 is turning out to be an amazing year for bourbons and ryes! With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Glorious Sweet Oak (If you Like Oak), Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Unsalted Butter, Baking Spice, Dark Red Fruit, and a Candied Fruit
• Palate: Sweet Oak Forward with Additional Notes of Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Baking Spice, Dark Red Fruits, (Cherry or Raspberry) and a Childhood Favorite… Jujyfruits Candy
• Finish: Long and Amazing with Notes of Sweet Drying Oak, Baking Spice and Vanilla
• My Rating: Save It! (This might even be better than the 2023 release… and that was my #2 Bourbon and Rye of 2023!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™