Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:40 pm
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.
Unearth the differences between Knob Creek and Old Forester 100 in my comprehensive analysis, and determine which Bourbon is your preferred choice!
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 vs Old Forester 100: Bourbon Comparison
Knob Creek: A rich blend of cherry, vanilla, and oak with a hint of rye spice. Its creamy texture and long, warm finish make it a standout choice for bourbon lovers.
Old Forester 100 Proof: Offers a balanced mix of caramel, vanilla, and oak with a spicy finish. Its versatility shines both neat and in cocktails, providing excellent value.
Verdict: Knob Creek delivers a robust, smooth experience with complex flavors, ideal for savoring. Old Forester 100 Proof impresses with its smoothness and spice, making it a great everyday bourbon. Both are excellent choices, each offering its own unique appeal, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 100-Proof Bourbon Top Recommendations
Knob Creek: Smooth and Satisfying Bourbon Experience
- 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: Jim Beam
Aroma: Knob Creek opens with a pleasant blend of cherry, vanilla, caramel, oak, and a touch of warming rye spice.
Taste: The first sip welcomes you with a thick and satisfying mouthfeel, followed by a delightful warmth. On the palate, flavors of vanilla, oak, chocolate, cherry, and roasted peanut come together in a harmonious blend.
Finish: At 100 proof, the finish is long, warm, and satisfying, leaving no lingering unpleasantness.
My Thoughts:
Knob Creek offers a pleasurable drinking experience. The dense and velvety body provides a delightful chewiness, while the 100-proof spirit goes down smoothly without any harsh bite. This smoothness is a testament to the skillful distillation and aging process.
For the Full Experience: Enjoy Knob Creek neat or with a few drops of water to fully appreciate its rich floral notes.
Knob Creek in a Nutshell:
- Aged for nine years in heavily charred white oak barrels.
- Made with a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.
- Crafted at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky.
Old Forester 100 Proof: Smooth Sipping with a Hint of Spice
- Nose: Alcohol, oak, caramel
- Palate: Caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate, mint
- Finish: Spice, tobacco, oak
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water, cocktail
- Similar to: Wild Turkey 101
Aroma: Take a moment to breathe in, as the initial ethanol aroma mellows to reveal subtle hints of oak and caramel.
Taste: Old Forester offers a medium-bodied experience, with oak and caramel leading the flavor profile. Hints of cinnamon, bitter chocolate, cherries, and a touch of mint create a complex taste, finished with a gentle barrel spice.
Finish: The medium-length finish presents mild notes of spice, tobacco, and oak, leaving a clean and pleasant aftertaste.
My Thoughts:
This bourbon is enjoyable neat, but adding a drop of water can enhance the sweetness and oak flavors while softening the spicy notes. It’s also a versatile choice for cocktails, though I find the Old Forester 100 Rye offers a better spice character for mixed drinks.
Value for Money:
Old Forester 100 Proof is a smooth and affordable option for everyday sipping. With its surprisingly pleasant 100-proof experience and competitive price, it delivers excellent value for the cost.
Additional Notes:
- Aged approximately four years.
- Made with a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley.
- Honors a doctor named Forrester who used bourbon medicinally.
- Features the signature of the founder, George Gavin Brown, on the label.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Bourbon | Price |
| Knob Creek | $38 |
| Old Forester 100 | $27 |