Knob Creek is reintroducing its 21 Year Old expression, the oldest release in the history of James B. Beam Distilling Co. The extra-aged bourbon returns to retailers nationwide for a limited time at a suggested retail price of $249.99 (£186) for a 750ml bottle.
The expression was first released last year in 2025. It spent more than two decades maturing in the barrel and is bottled at 100 proof.
According to the brand’s official notes, the bourbon “delivers layers of caramel and char, subtle fruit, seasoned oak and caramelized sugar, with hints of smoke and a long, satisfying finish of toffee and charred oak.”
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READ THE STORYThe brand said each barrel was chosen individually. “Each barrel was individually selected by our master distillers for its remarkable balance and depth, showcasing the complexity that only decades of aging can achieve,” the company stated.
Knob Creek sits within the wider Jim Beam portfolio, which is owned by Suntory Global Spirits.
The brand is named after the Kentucky creek near which Abraham Lincoln spent part of his childhood.
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Knob Creek was launched in 1992 as part of the Small Batch Bourbon Collection, a range created to tap into the growing demand for premium American whiskey.
The core Knob Creek range typically centers on a nine-year-old bourbon
Extra-aged bourbons remain a rarity in the category. The hot Kentucky climate accelerates maturation and increases evaporation losses, known as the ‘angel’s share’, which makes bourbons aged beyond two decades both scarce and costly to produce.
The limited-time return reflects a wider industry trend toward age-stated, high-proof releases aimed at collectors and the premium end of the market.
Knob Creek 21 Year Old will be available at retailers across the US while stocks last.
