Four Roses vs Knob Creek

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:28 pm

Discover the differences between Four Roses Small Batch vs Knob Creek 9 Year in this in-depth comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Four Roses vs Knob Creek: Comparison

Four Roses Small Batch: Delivers a velvety blend of sweetness and spice, featuring vanilla, cherry, and oak on the nose, with a palate of vanilla, oak, and baking spice, culminating in a long finish of burnt caramel. Its unique blend and aging process ensure a rich, complex flavor profile, making it a standout choice for those seeking depth in their bourbon.

Knob Creek: Offers a rich tapestry of flavors, from cherry and vanilla on the nose to a palate of vanilla, oak, and chocolate, ending with a long finish of vanilla and baking spices. Aged for 9 years and bottled at 100 proof, it provides a robust and warming bourbon experience, highlighting the craftsmanship behind its production.

The Verdict: Four Roses Small Batch and Knob Creek each offer a unique journey through the bourbon landscape. Four Roses impresses with its intricate blend of flavors and smoothness, ideal for those who appreciate nuanced complexity. Knob Creek, with its higher proof and longer aging, delivers a bold, rich experience, catering to those who prefer their bourbon with intensity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top-Ranked Bourbons under $30

Four Roses Small Batch: A Velvety Blend of Sweet & Spice

• Nose: Vanilla, cherry, oak
• Palate: Vanilla, oak, baking spice
• Finish: Long, burnt caramel
• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Elijah Craig

Dive into a captivating aroma with Four Roses Small Batch. Imagine sweetness leading the way, followed by dancing notes of vanilla, cherry, and oak. Each inhale promises a delightful sip to come.

On the palate, prepare for luxury. This bourbon boasts a luscious, velvety texture that explodes with flavors of creamy vanilla and caramel. A warming rye spice adds a pleasant kick, while gentle oak whispers complexity.

The finish lingers like a sweet dream, leaving you with a hint of caramel kissed by fire. Remarkably, despite its richness, it remains smooth and inviting, leaving only a gentle warmth.

But Four Roses is more than just taste. Here’s a glimpse into its unique blend:

• Crafted from 4 distinct bourbons: 2 with higher rye content (35%) and 2 with a sweeter corn focus (20%).
• Unique yeast cultures for each bourbon: This adds layers of flavor complexity.
• Aged at least 4 years: Patience ensures depth and character.
• Owned by Kirin Brewing Company of Japan: A global collaboration for bourbon excellence.

Ready to explore a smooth and flavorful blend? Four Roses Small Batch awaits.

Knob Creek: A Smooth Journey Through Rich Bourbon Flavors

• Nose: Cherry, vanilla, caramel, rye spice, oak
• Palate: Vanilla, oak, cherry, chocolate, peanuts
• Finish: Long, vanilla, banana, baking spices
• Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Michter’s Bourbon

Uncap a world of deliciousness with Knob Creek, a 9-year-old bourbon that entices with its inviting aroma. Imagine juicy cherries, followed by a warm embrace of vanilla, caramel, and oak. A hint of rye spice adds complexity, hinting at the exciting flavors to come.

On the palate, prepare to be pampered. Knob Creek boasts a creamy, smooth texture with a pleasant warmth. Vanilla and oak take center stage, intertwined with teasing hints of chocolate and the signature peanut undertone familiar to Jim Beam fans.

The finish is a true crowd-pleaser: long, satisfying, and warming, leaving you wanting more. And the best part? At 100 proof, Knob Creek remains remarkably smooth and balanced, making it a joy to sip neat or straight.

Want to unlock even more deliciousness? Add a drop of water to accentuate the sweetness and unleash a whole new wave of delightful characteristics.

But Knob Creek isn’t just about taste. Here’s a quick peek at its impressive heritage:

• Aged 9 years in charred white oak barrels for maximum flavor development.
• Classic mash bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, echoing the Jim Beam legacy.
• Crafted by Booker Noe, a bourbon legend, and produced by the renowned Jim Beam, now under the Suntory Holdings umbrella.

Ready to embark on a smooth and flavorful bourbon journey? Knob Creek awaits.

How do Knob Creek and Four Roses differ?

Let’s explore the three key differences between these bourbons.

Firstly, Four Roses distinguishes itself by utilizing a mash bill high in rye content, imparting a spicy kick reminiscent of Bulleit Bourbon.

Secondly, there’s a difference in proof, with Knob Creek being offered at a bold 100 proof, while Four Roses sits at a slightly lower 90 proof.

This disparity makes Knob Creek slightly more intense in character.

Lastly, aging comes into play, with Knob Creek requiring a minimum of nine years of aging, compared to Four Roses’ minimum of four years.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Bourbon	Price
Four Roses Small Batch	$36
Knob Creek	$34