Jim Beam and Knob Creek are bourbon stalwarts, but even with that pedigree the lines keep expanding. Let's explore just some of the expressions on offer!
Jump to:
- Bourbon's big names
- Tryings a new version of an old stalwart
- My Tasting Notes
- Jim Beam Black Extra Aged Bourbon
- Jim Beam 100 Proof Bonded
- Jim Beam Rye Pre-Prohibition Style
- Knob Creek 25th Anniversary Single Barrel Bourbon
- Knob Creek Straight Rye Whiskey
- Final thoughts
- More bourbon whiskey tasting notes
- Comments
Bourbon's big names
The Jim Beam and Knob Creek brands are stalwarts in the world of bourbon.
They are standard on most any bars' shelf, and their prices are reasonable enough to make them affordable starters for beginning bourbon drinkers. Knob Creek is even used in upscale bottled cocktails as a basis for an Old Fashioned cocktail (try it in this Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe).
Since my entry into drinking bourbon came from tastings I attended, I didn't start with Jim Beam and had never tried it. Knob Creek I've tried, but it was the one I bought at Costco (9-year Small Batch), and I do like it quite a bit.
So when the chance came to taste some of these bourbons at one of Gordons DTX Whisky Wednesdays, I headed right over.
Ok, I usually head over for Whisky Wednesday…don't judge me.
Tryings a new version of an old stalwart
Gordon's DTX introduced their tasting thusly: "You may think you know Jim Beam, but the product line continues to expand and impress ...walk through a few of their bottom shelf gems, bottled-in-bonds and even the 25th Knob Creek Anniversary bottling which is highly sought after."
Intriguing, no?
Jim Beam Black Extra Aged Bourbon
43% ABV
Type: American
Keywords: American Whiskey, Bourbon, Whiskey
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Corn, hint of caramel, honey, almost a rye buttery-ness
- Taste: Has some body, tingle of alcohol, leads to caramel & oily texture
- Finish: Fades to cinnamon, a little astringent at the end
Comments
My first taste of Jim Beam and I'm impressed, would be nice to sip on a hot August evening.
Jim Beam 100 Proof Bonded
50% ABV
Type: American
Keywords: American Whiskey, Bottled in Bond, Bourbon, Whiskey
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Sunflowers and candy
- Taste: Nice and thick that coats mouth, soft, nutmeg and a little hit of pepper
- Finish: Oil lasts, sweet rye fades
Comments
More of a texture than a flavor, interesting dram.
Jim Beam Rye Pre-Prohibition Style
40% ABV
Type: American
Keywords: American Whiskey, Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, Whiskey
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Not a big rye nose, slight vanilla, very soft
- Taste: Thick, a little tart, hit of pepper
- Finish: Not much lingers, but has a soft nuttiness
Knob Creek 25th Anniversary Single Barrel Bourbon
60.9% ABV
Type: American
Keywords: American Whiskey, Bourbon, Cask Strength, Whiskey
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Light rye, a little oaky
- Taste: It's got texture, toffee, rich, pleasant
- Finish: Warm spices, light sweetness lasts
Comments
It's the rich texture that makes this dram a treat
Knob Creek Straight Rye Whiskey
50% ABV
Type: American
Keywords: American Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Whiskey
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Typical corn, vanilla
- Taste: Alcohol first, rye fills in, still thick
- Finish: Cloves dominate
Comments
A nice rye for a summer night.
Final thoughts
Overall, I liked this lineup. For a major commercial brand, it didn't disappoint.
I even bought the Jim Beam Black Extra Aged Bourbon as it is nice to drink and nice to cook with. I spiked a Raspberry Peach Crumble with it…yummy!
The large commercial brands are popular for a reason!
I hope you like this review! If you've tried any of the expressions and have your own tasting notes, please leave a comment. Thanks!
Slainté! L'chaim! Cheers!
- Tammy
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