Knob Creek, a household name in American whiskey, has taken its Single Barrel Select Program to new heights with the introduction of Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength. This bold move allows retailers to handpick exclusive barrels of uncut, unfiltered bourbon and rye, offering whiskey enthusiasts a chance to experience the brand’s signature robust flavors in their purest form. With a legacy rooted in crafting no-nonsense, full-flavored whiskey, Knob Creek is doubling down on its commitment to quality and authenticity, honoring the vision of its founder, Booker Noe. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting evolution, from the unique selection process to the unparalleled tasting experience.
The heart of Knob Creek’s Single Barrel Select Cask Strength lies in its unadulterated approach. Unlike many whiskeys that are diluted with water before bottling, these expressions are bottled straight from the barrel, preserving the intense flavors that develop during aging. The bourbon selections range from 110 to 130 proof, while the rye offerings fall between 100 and 120 proof. This variation in proof ensures that each barrel delivers a distinct experience, making every bottle a one-of-a-kind treasure for whiskey collectors and casual drinkers alike. Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado or a rye enthusiast, the cask strength program promises a bold, unfiltered taste that stays true to Knob Creek’s reputation for crafting whiskey without shortcuts.
The origins of this program trace back to Booker Noe, the legendary distiller who founded Knob Creek in 1992 with a mission to revive the pre-Prohibition style of whiskey. His grandson, Freddie Noe, the eighth-generation master distiller, carries forward that legacy with pride. “When my grandfather created Knob Creek, he set out to make a whiskey that stood out—bold, robust, and no shortcuts,” Freddie Noe said. “With our Single Barrel Select Program, we pay tribute to that legacy by offering fans the chance to experience Knob Creek in its most authentic form—uncut and unfiltered, creating the most unadulterated single barrel selection in Knob Creek’s history.” This commitment to authenticity is evident in every aspect of the program, from the careful aging process to the hands-on barrel selection experience.
For retailers, the Single Barrel Select Cask Strength program offers a unique opportunity to curate exclusive bottles that reflect their brand’s identity. The selection process is an immersive experience hosted at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky. Participants are treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery, including a visit to the historic warehouse K, where Knob Creek’s barrels are aged in new, maximum-charred American oak. The charring process is key to the whiskey’s bold flavor, imparting rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak that define Knob Creek’s profile. During the tour, retailers “thieve” whiskey directly from multiple barrels, tasting and comparing samples to choose the perfect cask for their store. The experience wraps up with a curated dining experience at The Kitchen Table, the distillery’s on-site restaurant, where participants can savor dishes that complement the whiskey’s complex flavors.
Recognizing that not all retailers can travel to Kentucky, Knob Creek has made the program accessible through remote selection sample kits. These kits bring the barrel selection experience to the retailer’s doorstep, allowing them to taste and choose their preferred cask without leaving their market. This flexibility ensures that more stores across the country can offer exclusive Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength bottles, priced at a suggested retail of $69.99 for a 750mL bottle. The combination of hands-on and remote options makes the program inclusive, enabling a wider range of retailers to participate and bring unique whiskeys to their customers.
For individual whiskey lovers, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. offers a complementary experience through its Private Barrel Club. This program invites consumers to visit the Clermont distillery, where they can taste through a selection of barrels and handpick their favorites for purchase. It’s a rare chance for enthusiasts to connect directly with the whiskey-making process, from nosing the aromas of aging barrels to selecting a bottle that matches their palate. The Private Barrel Club underscores Knob Creek’s dedication to personalized whiskey experiences, inviting fans to become part of the brand’s storied tradition. More information about the club is available at www.beamdistilling.com/private-barrel-club.
Knob Creek’s Single Barrel Select Cask Strength is the latest milestone in the brand’s three-decade history of crafting super-premium whiskey. Since its founding, Knob Creek has set the standard for bold, full-flavored bourbon and rye, earning a loyal following among whiskey drinkers. The brand’s portfolio includes standout expressions like Knob Creek 12 Year Old Bourbon, Knob Creek 18 Year Old Bourbon, and Knob Creek 7 Year Old Rye Whiskey, as well as limited releases like Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye and Knob Creek 10 Year Old Rye. Each whiskey is aged to perfection in heavily charred oak barrels, a process that enhances the depth and complexity of the final product. The cask strength program builds on this tradition, offering a new level of intensity and individuality that sets it apart from other single barrel offerings.
As part of Suntory Global Spirits, Knob Creek benefits from a global network of expertise and innovation. Suntory, a leader in premium spirits, is known for its portfolio of iconic brands, including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Japanese whiskies like Yamazaki and Hibiki. The company’s commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability aligns with Knob Creek’s values, ensuring that every bottle reflects the highest standards of quality. With approximately 6,000 employees across nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by a mission to inspire rich experiences for people while fostering harmony with nature. This ethos is evident in Knob Creek’s meticulous approach to whiskey-making, from sourcing the finest ingredients to aging each barrel with care.
The launch of Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength comes at a time when whiskey enthusiasts are increasingly seeking unique, high-proof expressions. The cask strength trend has gained momentum in recent years, as drinkers gravitate toward whiskeys that offer unfiltered flavors and higher alcohol content. Knob Creek’s program taps into this demand, delivering a product that’s both approachable and sophisticated. At $69.99, the suggested retail price makes these exclusive bottles accessible to a wide audience, whether they’re seasoned collectors or newcomers to the world of cask strength whiskey. The combination of bold flavor, personalized selection, and a storied brand heritage positions Knob Creek to stand out in a crowded market.
For those eager to explore Knob Creek’s Single Barrel Select Cask Strength, the bottles are available at participating retailers nationwide. Whiskey fans can also dive deeper into the brand’s portfolio and heritage by visiting www.KnobCreek.com or following @KnobCreek on Instagram. Whether you’re sipping a dram of cask strength bourbon, savoring the spicy kick of rye, or selecting your own barrel at the distillery, Knob Creek invites you to experience whiskey the way Booker Noe intended—bold, authentic, and unforgettable.
