Bourbon Reviews, Distillery News and Information
James B. Beam Distilling Co. Introduces Knob Creek 21 Year Old Bourbon
Knob Creek 21 Year Old Bourbon is here! The James B. Beam Distilling Co. unveils its oldest bourbon ever—aged for 21 years and bottled at 100 proof. Read on to learn more about this historic release.
Press Release
The James B. Beam Distilling Co. Introduces Knob Creek 21 Year Old Bourbon, The Oldest Expression In Distillery History
Each barrel was hand-selected for its distinctive flavor and balance, resulting in a bourbon as rare and bold in character as it is in age
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Knob Creek Marks a New Milestone in Extra-Aged Bourbon
CLERMONT, Ky., Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the James B. Beam Distilling Co., home of the The Small Batch Bourbon Collection, marks a historic moment with the release of Knob Creek 21 Year Old, the oldest expression to be released from the distillery and the award-winning Knob Creek portfolio. Discovered at 21 years, this limited-edition bourbon marks a milestone for Knob Creek—an extra-aged whiskey that embodies Knob Creek while delivering a distinctive new expression and flavor experience.
Patience and Precision: Aging for Over Two Decades
For more than two decades, these barrels rested patiently in our Kentucky rackhouses, weathering changing temperatures and seasons. During this time, the whiskey didn’t just age; it evolved, gaining extraordinary depth, color, and character that only 21 years in the barrel can bring. Each was then hand-selected by our master distillers for its remarkable balance and complexity – proof that patience, instinct, and respect for the process can create something truly one of a kind.
Freddie Noe on What Makes This Bourbon Unique
“When we first laid this batch to rest, we weren’t chasing any specific age statement – we were focused on crafting a great bourbon, just like we always do,” said Freddie Noe, eighth generation master distiller. “After I tasted the whiskey, I knew we had something special. After decades in the rackhouse, the liquid developed a richness and balance we knew Knob Creek fans and whiskey enthusiasts would want to try. That’s what makes this release special: it’s bold, full of character, and embodies what Knob Creek stands for.”
Tasting Notes: Knob Creek 21 Year Old Bourbon
Bottled at 100 proof, Knob Creek 21 Year Old is a full-flavored bourbon that reflects our unwavering commitment to pre-Prohibition style craftsmanship. It opens with aromas of seasoned oak, caramelized sugar, and subtle smoke. On the palate, deep caramel and char build alongside hints of fruit and toasted oak, leading to a long, warm finish of toffee and charred wood — a flavor profile shaped by decades of care and expertise.
Availability and Packaging
Arriving just in time for the holiday season, Knob Creek 21 Year Old invites bourbon lovers to savor and share it neat to experience the liquid in its purest form. This limited time offering is presented in a distinguished keepsake box – a tribute to the craft and care behind this release – and is available nationwide for a limited time at a suggested retail price of $249.99 for a 750mL bottle. For more information visit knobcreek.com.
Will you be hunting the Knob Creek 21 Year Old Bourbon? Next, why not read these related articles: Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon Review, Knob Creek 12 Year Bourbon Review and Knob Creek 18 Year Bourbon Review.
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About the author: Ed Escott is truly "Bourbon Obsessed". He is the founder of Bourbon Obsessed, LLC, and an Executive Bourbon Steward of the Stave and Thief Society. In addition, he has authored and edited over 600 bourbon and other whiskey reviews, over 50 in-depth distillery write-ups, and many other related articles. He is on the board of the Kentucky Bourbon Influencers and a member of the Lexington Bourbon Society and the Bourbon Capital Guild. Last, but not least, Ed has attended many bourbon-related educational sessions, visited countless distilleries, and is on a never-ending quest to try every bourbon.
Prior to focusing solely on Bourbon Obsessed, Ed practiced in academic medicine for three decades. He most recently was a Professor at the University of Kentucky and served as Chief of the Division of Neuroradiology and Vice Chair For Faculty Mentoring, Development & Wellness of the Department of Radiology. He has extensive editorial experience in academic medical publication, and brings that same academic mindset to Bourbon Obsessed, which is a unique approach for a spirit-focused media company.
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