Are you a bourbon lover looking for the perfect sip? Then you must have come across Jim Beam and Knob Creek, two of the most popular bourbon brands on the market. Both are owned by the same company, Beam Suntory, and share a similar production process. However, they have their differences in terms of taste, price, and overall quality.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key differences between Jim Beam and Knob Creek, including their history, production process, maturation, mash bill, age statement, alcohol proof, ownership, and distillery. We’ll also compare their tasting notes, price points, and value for money. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of which bourbon is the better choice for you.
Table of Contents
History of Jim Beam and Knob Creek
photo credit: www.jimbeam.com
Jim Beam’s History
Jim Beam is a famous bourbon whiskey brand that has been around for over 200 years. It all started in 1795, when Jacob Beam, a farmer in Kentucky, began producing corn whiskey. The whiskey was so popular that Jacob’s son, David Beam, started to sell it commercially in 1820. By the 1850s, the family had moved into a distillery and started producing bourbon whiskey.
In the 1930s, the company was renamed Jim Beam after James B. Beam, who had taken over the family business. Today, Jim Beam is one of the most popular bourbon whiskey brands in the world, known for its smooth and mellow taste.
photo credit: www.beamdistilling.com
Knob Creek’s History
Knob Creek is a relatively new brand compared to Jim Beam, having been established in 1992. It was created by Booker Noe, a master distiller at Jim Beam, who wanted to produce a bourbon whiskey that was closer to the original recipe used by his grandfather.
The brand was named after a small stream that ran through the family’s farm in Kentucky. Knob Creek is known for its high-quality and full-bodied taste, which comes from the use of older whiskey in its production. Knob Creek is one of the four small batch bourbon brands produced by Beam Suntory, along with Jim Beam, Booker’s, and Baker’s.
Production Process
Jim Beam’s Production Process
Jim Beam is a bourbon whiskey that is produced by the Jim Beam Distillery, which is located in Kentucky, USA. The production process of Jim Beam involves the following steps:
- Mash Bill: The first step in the production process is the creation of the mash bill. Jim Beam’s mash bill consists of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.
- Cooking: The mash bill is then cooked at a high temperature to convert the starch into sugar.
- Fermentation: The cooked mash is then transferred to fermentation tanks, where yeast is added to convert the sugar into alcohol.
- Distillation: The fermented mash is then distilled twice to create a high-proof whiskey.
- Aging: The high-proof whiskey is then aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years.
Knob Creek’s Production Process
Knob Creek is a premium bourbon whiskey that is produced by the Jim Beam Distillery. The production process of Knob Creek involves the following steps:
- Mash Bill: The first step in the production process is the creation of the mash bill. Knob Creek’s mash bill consists of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, which is the same as Jim Beam’s mash bill.
- Cooking: The mash bill is then cooked at a high temperature to convert the starch into sugar.
- Fermentation: The cooked mash is then transferred to fermentation tanks, where yeast is added to convert the sugar into alcohol.
- Distillation: The fermented mash is then distilled twice to create a high-proof whiskey.
- Aging: The high-proof whiskey is then aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of nine years.
Both Jim Beam and Knob Creek use the same mash bill and production process up until the aging process. The main difference between the two is the aging process, with Knob Creek being aged for a longer period of time. This results in a more complex and intense flavor profile for Knob Creek.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Jim Beam and Knob Creek are both excellent bourbons, but they have some differences that set them apart. Here’s a comparison of their taste profiles:
Jim Beam
Jim Beam is known for its smooth, mellow taste. It has a distinct grainy taste from the mash, along with black pepper, caramel, and vanilla. On the nose, it has leather, oak, and raisins. It has a burnt amber color and a finish with vanilla and toasted almond notes. Jim Beam uses a column distillation process in copper stills, which ensures a smooth taste in every batch.
Knob Creek
Knob Creek, on the other hand, has a bolder and spicier flavor. It has a higher rye content, which contributes to its distinct flavor profile. Knob Creek uses pot stills for its distillation, which imparts a robust character and complex flavors. It has a darker color than Jim Beam, with a nose that has hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The taste is spicy, with notes of cinnamon and pepper, and the finish is long and warm.
Price Comparison
When it comes to buying whiskey, price is always a consideration.
The price point for Jim Beam is relatively low, with a 750ml bottle costing around $15-20. However, there are some premium versions of Jim Beam, such as Jim Beam Black and Jim Beam Single Barrel, that can cost upwards of $30.
Knob Creek is a bit more expensive than Jim Beam, with a 750ml bottle costing around $30-40. However, there are also premium versions of Knob Creek, such as Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve, that can cost upwards of $50.
It’s worth noting that the prices for both Jim Beam and Knob Creek can vary depending on your location and where you purchase them. You may be able to find better deals at certain stores or during sales.
Conclusion
Both Jim Beam and Knob Creek are excellent bourbons produced by Beam Suntory, but they have distinct differences in flavor profile, price, and intended use.
If you prefer a smoother and sweeter bourbon with a lower price point, Jim Beam might be the right choice for you. It is a versatile bourbon that can be used in cocktails or enjoyed on its own.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bolder and more complex bourbon with a higher price point, Knob Creek might be the way to go. It has a stronger flavor profile, which makes it ideal for sipping or pairing with a cigar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or just starting out, both of these bourbons are worth trying to see which one suits your taste buds the best.
Related Posts
If you’re interested in the world of bourbon whiskey, you might want to check out some of these related posts:
- Jim Beam vs Evan Williams: Which Bourbon Whiskey Comes Out on Top? – This article compares Jim Beam and Evan Williams, two well-known and affordable bourbon whiskey brands. Find out which one comes out on top.
- Battle of the Bourbons: Buffalo Trace vs Eagle Rare – If you’re looking for another bourbon whiskey comparison, this article pits Buffalo Trace against Eagle Rare. Both are produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, but which one is better?
- Jack Daniel’s vs Jim Beam: Which Whiskey Reigns Supreme? – If you’re a fan of American whiskey, you might be curious about this comparison between Jack Daniel’s and Jim Beam.
- Rum vs Whiskey: What’s the Difference? – If you want to expand your knowledge of spirits beyond bourbon whiskey, this article explores the differences between rum and whiskey.
- Old-Style VS Modern: was whisky “better back then”? – For a historical perspective on whiskey, this article discusses whether or not whiskey was better in the past compared to modern times.
