Knob Creek Rye 50% ABV
ABV: 50% (100 proof) | Origin: Clermont, Kentucky, USA

Knob Creek Rye 50% is a bold and flavorful rye whiskey that delivers a rich and spicy profile, with a robust 50% ABV that enhances its character. Aged for several years, it offers deep notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and oak, balanced by a warm spiciness and a subtle sweetness. The higher proof brings out the rye's peppery bite and complexity, while the smooth finish adds a layer of richness. This is a perfect choice for rye whiskey enthusiasts who enjoy a strong, full-bodied dram, whether sipped neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Fresh cracked rye grain, green apple, charred oak, herbs, and a subtle smoky syrup undertone
• Palate: Light rye spice, white pepper, citrus rinds, vanilla, pine, and oak with a smooth, approachable warmth
• Finish: Medium-long with lingering spice, mint, and a touch of oak dryness

Production Details

• Distillation method: Double distilled in traditional copper pot stills
• Cask type(s):
  • Aged in deeply charred new American oak barrels
• Special processes:
  • Made in small batches for consistent quality
  • No official age statement, advertised as "Patiently Aged" (believed to be around 7 years for the standard release)
  • Non-chill filtered to preserve natural flavors
  • Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) to maintain Knob Creek’s signature full-flavored profile
  • Mash bill is undisclosed but believed to be just over 51% rye (barely legal rye), with high corn content

Perfect For

• Bourbon drinkers transitioning to rye whiskey
• Cocktail enthusiasts seeking a versatile rye for classics like Manhattans or Old Fashioneds
• Those who enjoy a balanced, spicy whiskey with a smooth edge
• Everyday sipping without breaking the bank
• Fans of Jim Beam’s small-batch craftsmanship

Expert Notes

• Introduced in 2012 as Knob Creek’s first rye whiskey, expanding their small-batch portfolio
• Part of Jim Beam’s Small Batch Collection, alongside Knob Creek Bourbon, Booker’s, Baker’s, and Basil Hayden’s
• Offers a middle-ground rye profile—not too spicy, not too sweet—making it an accessible entry into rye whiskey
• Won "Best Rye" at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, cementing its reputation
• High corn mash bill bridges the gap between bourbon and traditional rye flavors

Customer Reviews

• “Smooth for 100 proof, with just enough rye kick—great in a cocktail!” – Chris W. ★★★★☆
• “Love the spicy nose and easy finish; a solid rye for the price.” – Emily T. ★★★★★
• “Not the boldest rye, but super reliable and tasty.” – Ryan M. ★★★★☆

Interesting Facts

• Knob Creek Rye was launched without an age statement, a departure from the brand’s bourbon lineup (e.g., 9-year-old expressions)
• Named after Knob Creek, a stream near Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home in Kentucky
• Produced at the James B. Beam Distillery, known for its pre-Prohibition-style whiskey ethos
• The 50% ABV aligns with Knob Creek’s commitment to robust, full-flavored spirits
• Its understated bottle design belies its quality, often surprising first-time tasters

Serving Suggestions

• Sip neat or with a few drops of water to open up the flavors
• Perfect in a classic Manhattan with sweet vermouth and bitters
• Try in an Old Fashioned for a spicier twist on the bourbon version
• Pair with dark chocolate, smoked nuts, or sharp cheeses like aged gouda
• Enjoy on the rocks for a refreshing, slow melt of flavors

Distillery

• Knob Creek Rye is crafted at the James B. Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, a historic site producing whiskey since 1795
• Part of Suntory Global Spirits’ portfolio, Knob Creek upholds a legacy of small-batch excellence started by Booker Noe in 1992
• The distillery emphasizes patience, aging whiskey in deeply charred barrels to extract bold flavors
• Knob Creek Rye reflects a balance of tradition and innovation, blending Kentucky’s bourbon heritage with rye’s spicy character
• As one of the four Jim Beam Small Batch brands, it’s designed for those seeking quality over mass-market mildness