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Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 01 Review

Knob Creek launches a new blending series — but can Edition 01 deliver on its promise of showcasing the "sweeter side" while still offering real value at $44.99?

OVERALL RATING

7
$59
  • David Thomas Tao is an NYC-based spirits reviewer and Forbes 30 Under 30 media honouree whose work appears in leading drinks publications and who regularly judges industry competitions.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Over the past few years, Beam-produced Knob Creek has consistently and gradually expanded its product line. Most well known are the newer age-stated releases, with 18 and 21 year-old bourbons hitting the market at a now-annual cadence. (Though to be fair, thus far, we’ve only seen one iteration of that 21 year.) That’s in addition to a (very good!) 10 year rye, and a “Bourbon X Rye” blend that is almost too tasty for the average cocktail. (Regardless, my in-home mixology finds a way.)

In early 2026, we’ve got another new product offering: Knob Creek Blender’s Edition. These will feature an ongoing line of limited-edition releases showcasing the brand’s blending prowess, led by eighth-generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe. The first release — dubbed “Edition 01” — is marketed as highlighting “the sweeter side of the Knob Creek flavor profile.”

It’s a 10 year old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 106 proof. One of the most important stats is the MSRP: $44.99 for a 750mL bottle. For a 10 year bourbon above 100 proof, that places it firmly in value territory. So how does it taste? Let’s dive in.
Appearance:
Light metallic bronze sheen
Nose:
We’ve got some classic Beam/Knob Creek nuttiness here, and it’ll be instantly recognizable to fans of the brand. Peanut brittle and roasted peanut skins eventually settle into peanut butter fudge. That’s backed by charred orchard fruit (namely apples) and sweet, peppery BBQ burnt ends. The longer I nose it, the more coarse black pepper comes through, along with a little herbal grass and hay. Fortunately, those help balance out the early sweeter notes.
Palate:
If the nose evoked classic Beam, the palate leaves no doubt. Roasted peanuts meet caramel, nougat, and some butterscotch for a sweet, confectionary base. Flavors build in complexity from there, specifically tart cranberry sauce, candied cherries, applesauce, spiced apple butter, and raspberries & cream. For all its sweetness, there are some tart, fruity elements to help keep the entire experience from becoming cloying. At 106 proof, the mouthfeel is a tad thinner than I would have preferred, but there’s still enough viscosity to help the highlight flavors linger across the midpalate.
Finish:
The finish leans in on preserved pears and cherry — darker here than the palate — along with oak character commensurate with the whiskey’s 10 year age statement. Leather and tea-adjacent tannins build with each swallow. It’s still nutty, but generally less sweet than the palate, and far less heavy on peanuts. Walnut and almond extracts linger for quite some time, alongside white and green peppercorns.
Comments:
Knob Creek Blender’s Edition wasn’t exactly on my bingo card for 2026. Nonetheless, I’m glad it exists. For a brand famed for value, this first release lives at a nice intersection of age, proof, flavor, and price. And while Edition 01 is positioned as a sweeter take on the brand’s profile, it’s frankly far from some near-saccharine Knob Creek single barrels I’ve tried. (That’s of course an anecdotal sample size.) Ultimately, we’re left with a balanced, well-aged bourbon that honors a classic Beam profile and delivers solid value to the consumer. I’ll call that a win.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

David Tao

David Thomas Tao is an NYC-based spirits reviewer, writer, entrepreneur, and Tony-nominated producer. A Kentucky native, Kentucky Colonel, and Forbes 30 Under 30 listmaker for media, his passion for drinks started in bourbon and has expanded to all realms of spirits. David's spirits writing can be read in Food & Wine, Forbes, VinePair, Drinkhacker, and Malt Review. He's also a regular judge for spirits competitions and panelist at industry events. David is also an active producer of movies, television, and both Broadway and off-Broadway theater.

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