Knob Creek Rye is the bold, spicy rye counterpart to the brand's benchmark bourbon, and the only standard ongoing rye in the James B. Beam Distilling Co. Small Batch Collection. First released in 2012, it brought the same patiently aged, full proof philosophy that made Knob Creek bourbon a small batch icon to the world of rye whiskey. Crafted in small batches in Clermont, Kentucky, and bottled at a robust 100 proof, it is built on a high corn, Kentucky style rye mashbill, just over the legal minimum of 51 percent rye, which gives it a distinctly approachable, bourbon friendly character compared with the spicier, higher rye styles from Pennsylvania or Indiana. The result is a rye that delivers genuine spice without sacrificing the sweet, rounded smoothness Knob Creek is known for, making it an ideal gateway rye for bourbon drinkers and a versatile, dependable pour for seasoned rye fans. Patiently aged in deeply charred American oak barrels, it pours a rich red amber and opens with an expressive nose of fresh cracked rye grain, green apple, vanilla, and charred oak, with an underlying layer of sweet syrup. The palate balances rye grain, white pepper, citrus rind, vanilla, and oak, light and approachable for a rye yet full of flavor, and the 100 proof keeps it eminently sippable without too much heat. The finish brings aged oak and rye spice with a touch of leather. Equally at home sipped neat, over a large cube, or anchoring a Manhattan, Sazerac, or Old Fashioned, Knob Creek Rye is a high value, do it all rye whiskey. Enjoy it your way.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Beam Suntory |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Expression |
Knob Creek Rye, Small Batch, Patiently Aged |
| Mashbill |
High corn Kentucky style rye (just over 51% rye; exact recipe undisclosed) |
| Age |
No Age Statement (Patiently Aged) |
| Maturation |
Deeply Charred New American Oak |
| ABV |
50% |
| Proof |
100 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Rich red amber.
Nose: Fresh cracked rye grain, green apple, vanilla, and charred oak with sweet syrup.
Palate: Approachable and layered, with rye grain, white pepper, citrus rind, vanilla, and oak.
Finish: Medium to long, with aged oak, rye spice, and a touch of leather.
FAQ
How is Knob Creek Rye different from a typical rye? It uses a high corn, Kentucky style mashbill just over 51 percent rye, giving it a sweeter, more bourbon friendly profile than the spicier high rye styles common from Pennsylvania or Indiana.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 100 proof, or 50 percent ABV, the same strength as the flagship Knob Creek bourbon.
What is the age? This bottling carries no age statement and is marketed as Patiently Aged. As of 2023 Knob Creek added a 7 year age statement to its flagship rye, so older bottles like this one are the non age stated version.
Is it a bourbon? No. It is a Kentucky straight rye whiskey, though its high corn mashbill gives it a bourbon like sweetness.
How should I drink it? Its 100 proof makes it excellent neat, over a large cube, or in classic cocktails like a Manhattan, Sazerac, or Old Fashioned.
Where can I buy Knob Creek Rye online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
