Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 12:33 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Knob Creek 9 Year vs Knob Creek 12 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
Knob Creek 9 vs Knob Creek 12: Comparison
Knob Creek 9: A delightful blend of vanilla, cherry, and peanuts with a creamy texture. Offers a rich, satisfying experience at $46.
Knob Creek 12: Delivers deeper notes of dark chocolate, cherry, and oak spice. Mature and smooth, priced at $72.
Key Difference: Knob Creek 9 and 12 differ mainly in aging, with the 12-year-old having three extra years with similar mash bills and production processes.
Verdict: Knob Creek 9 provides a flavorful journey perfect for those who love a balanced sweetness and spice. Knob Creek 12 provides a richer oak note with its aged depth, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best-Ranked Knob Creek Whiskeys
Knob Creek 9: Where Vanilla, Cherry & Peanuts Play
- 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: Basil Hayden’s
Imagine: cherry pie filling, warm vanilla, and butterscotch swirling in your glass. That’s the inviting nose of Knob Creek 9.
Take a sip, and feel the creamy texture pamper your palate. Vanilla and oak dance with hints of chocolate and lingering cherry, all while that signature Jim Beam peanut note pops up for a surprise.
The finish? Long, warm, and pleasant, leaving you wanting more. And the best part? This 100-proof bourbon packs a punch but stays smooth, making it a favorite among bourbon lovers.
Want to unlock even more flavor? Enjoy it neat or add a few drops of water. You won’t be disappointed.
But Knob Creek 9 isn’t all about taste. It’s steeped in history:
- Aged 9 years in heavily charred oak barrels for deep character.
- Made with the same mash bill as Jim Beam (corn, rye, malted barley) for a familiar yet distinct experience.
- Created by Booker Noe, a bourbon legend who revolutionized the industry.
In short, Knob Creek 9 offers great value and a flavor adventure you won’t forget. Give it a try, and see why it’s a bourbon standout!
Unveiling the Knob Creek 12: A Journey in Sweetness and Spice
- Nose: Roasted peanuts, caramel, oak, brown sugar
- Palate: Oak spice, dark chocolate, peanuts, cherry
- Finish: Cherry, chocolate, black pepper
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Knob Creek 15
Craving a bourbon that tickles your nose with roasted peanuts, caramel, and brown sugar? Knob Creek 12 might just be your golden ticket.
First sip, flavor explosion: Think dark chocolate dipped in cherries, followed by a toasty oak embrace. The signature Jim Beam peanut note peeks through, adding a unique twist.
Long and smooth finish: Rich oak lingers, laced with hints of chocolate and cherry, with a touch of peppery heat to keep things exciting.
But is it “good”? You bet! Smooth, buttery, and easy on the warmth, it shines neat or with a big ice cube. Just be warned, water might bring out the oak a bit too much, masking the other delicious notes.
The secret? Aged 12 years, this bourbon shares the same mash bill as its 9-year-old sibling, offering a deeper, more mature experience. Originally limited-edition, it became a permanent crowd-pleaser in 2020. Fun fact: Knob Creek’s name honors the water stream that flowed through Abraham Lincoln’s childhood farm!
Knob Creek 12 might not be for everyone, with its oak influence taking center stage. But if you’re looking for a flavorful, smooth bourbon with a unique peanut twist, give it a shot! You might just discover your new favorite sipper.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Knob Creek 9 | $46 |
| Knob Creek 12 | $72 |