If you’re a bourbon enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of Knob Creek Single Barrel and Booker’s. Both are high-quality bourbons produced by Jim Beam, one of the largest bourbon producers in the world. But what sets these two bourbons apart? Which one is the better choice for your palate and budget? In this article, we’ll compare Knob Creek Single Barrel and Booker’s and help you decide which one to try next.
Table of Contents
History of Knob Creek Single Barrel and Booker’s
photo credit: www.knobcreek.com
Knob Creek Single Barrel’s History
Knob Creek Single Barrel is an American brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced by Beam Suntory at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. It is one of the four Jim Beam small batch bourbon brands targeted for the high-end liquor market. The Knob Creek brand was introduced in 1992, named after the small waterway that runs through Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home in Kentucky. The brand was created by Booker Noe, the grandson of Jim Beam and the master distiller at the time.
Knob Creek Single Barrel is aged at a minimum of 9 years old, and it is proofed to 120 proof. It is one of the more impressive store picks these days, and most people paid little attention to them until a label redesign early in 2019 brought their true age statements to light. For the first time, people could see the age of the whiskey they were buying.
photo credit: www.beamdistilling.com
Booker’s History
Booker’s is another brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced by Beam Suntory at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. It was named after the late Booker Noe, who was the grandson of Jim Beam and the master distiller at the time of the brand’s creation. Booker’s was first released in 1988, and it was one of the first small batch bourbons on the market. It is uncut and unfiltered, and it is bottled at barrel strength, which can vary from batch to batch.
Booker’s is aged for 6-7 years, resulting in a warmer profile. It stands out as one of the few uncut, unfiltered, and barrel-strength bourbons on the market. Crafted at the same distillery with the same mash bill, Booker’s and Knob Creek share some tasting notes but differ in barrel management. While Knob Creek is aged for 9 years, imparting more oak influence, Booker’s is known for its bold and robust flavor.
Production Process
Knob Creek Single Barrel’s Production Process
Knob Creek Single Barrel is a small-batch bourbon that is made from a mash bill that contains 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. The bourbon is aged for at least nine years in charred oak barrels, which gives it its distinct flavor. The barrels are stored in a warehouse that is exposed to the elements, which causes the bourbon to expand and contract as the temperature and humidity fluctuate.
Once the bourbon has aged for the appropriate amount of time, it is bottled at 120 proof and sent to market. The single barrel designation means that each bottle is drawn from a single barrel, which gives it a unique flavor profile that is different from other bottles of Knob Creek.
Booker’s Production Process
Booker’s is a small-batch bourbon that is made from a mash bill that contains 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. The bourbon is aged for between six and eight years in charred oak barrels, which gives it a rich, deep flavor. The barrels are stored in a warehouse that is exposed to the elements, which causes the bourbon to expand and contract as the temperature and humidity fluctuate.
Once the bourbon has aged for the appropriate amount of time, it is bottled at cask strength, which can range from 121 to 130 proof. The cask strength designation means that each bottle is drawn directly from the barrel, which gives it a unique flavor profile that is different from other bottles of Booker’s. The bourbon is also unfiltered, which means that it retains more of its natural flavor and character.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Knob Creek Single Barrel and Booker’s are both excellent bourbons with unique flavor profiles. Here’s a closer look at how they compare:
Knob Creek Single Barrel
Knob Creek Single Barrel has a bold, full-bodied taste that’s characterized by its rich, deep flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It also has notes of spice and a long, smooth finish. If you’re a fan of big, bold bourbons with plenty of complexity, Knob Creek Single Barrel is a great choice.
Booker’s
Booker’s, on the other hand, is a bit more complex than Knob Creek Single Barrel. It has a rich, nutty flavor profile that’s complemented by notes of brown sugar, wood, and spice. It also has some more delicate fruit notes, such as peach, pear, and cherry, that add a layer of complexity to the overall taste. If you’re looking for a bourbon with a lot of depth and nuance, Booker’s is a great option.
Side-by-Side Comparison
When you taste Knob Creek Single Barrel and Booker’s side-by-side, the differences between the two become even more apparent. Knob Creek Single Barrel is louder and more aggressive, with a stronger emphasis on spice and wood flavors. Booker’s, on the other hand, is more complex and interesting, with a wider range of flavors that come together to create a truly unique taste experience.
Price Comparison
When it comes to price, Knob Creek Single Barrel and Booker’s are both premium bourbons that come with a relatively higher price tag. However, there are some differences in their pricing that you should be aware of before making a purchase.
Knob Creek Single Barrel
Knob Creek Single Barrel is priced at around $40–50, making it a more affordable option compared to Booker’s. This bourbon is aged for nine years, which contributes to its rich and complex flavor profile. It is a well-balanced whiskey with a smooth finish, making it a great choice for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Booker’s
Booker’s, on the other hand, is a more expensive option, with a price tag of around $80 to $100. It is aged for six to eight years and is bottled at a higher proof compared to Knob Creek Single Barrel. This bourbon is known for its bold and robust flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It is a great choice for those who prefer a stronger and more complex whiskey.
Conclusion
Both Knob Creek Single Barrel and Booker’s are excellent bourbons with unique characteristics. If you prefer a sweeter, more complex flavor with a higher proof, Booker’s may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more balanced flavor with a lower proof, Knob Creek Single Barrel may be the way to go.
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