Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Review
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Quick Facts
Is This For Me?
You enjoy high-proof whiskey that balances bourbon sweetness with rye spice, want to explore what a bourbon-rye blend can do, or are looking for a versatile bottle that works neat and in cocktails at an approachable price point.
You prefer a pure rye or pure bourbon expression without blending, want something with a prominent single grain character, or are sensitive to 113-proof heat.
Flavor Profile at a Glance
What It Tastes Like
Nose
Rich caramel and brown sugar, baking spices in waves, tart orange peel, green apple brightness, subtle dill underneath.
Palate
Full mouthfeel, sweet caramel into tart citrus, black pepper and rye spice building mid-palate, mint flicker, vanilla and oak.
Finish
Medium-long with lingering black pepper heat, caramel fading into dry oak and rye spice, tart citrus, clean spice finish.
Best Ways to Enjoy
Neat
The recommended starting point — bourbon sweetness and rye spice balance best at full proof. Let it breathe 5–10 minutes.
With Water
A few drops open up citrus and herbal notes beautifully. Brown sugar sweetness becomes more pronounced while spice softens.
On Ice
Handles dilution gracefully — the bourbon's caramel and vanilla come forward as the rye spice mellows. A great warm-weather pour.
Cocktail
Dual bourbon-rye character excels across cocktails. At home in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, with enough proof for any mixer.
Cocktail Scores
Price & Value
At roughly $45, Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye is a compelling value for a 113-proof blended whiskey using aged components — 9-year bourbon and 7-year rye. Freddie Noe's previous blending work under the Little Book label commanded $100–$150 per bottle, making this a chance to experience similar craftsmanship at a fraction of the cost. It earned the #13 spot on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 Whiskies list, further validating its quality-to-price ratio.
Bottle Transparency
- DistilleryJim Beam Distillery, Clermont, Kentucky (Beam Suntory)
- Master DistillersFred Noe & Freddie Noe
- Blend30% 9-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon / 70% 7-year-old Kentucky straight rye
- Barrel TypeNew charred American oak barrels
- Proof113 (56.5% ABV)
- ClassificationBlended straight whiskeys (Kentucky)
- ReleaseLimited edition — first released 2024, re-released 2025
- Chill FilteredYes
- Bourbon Mashbill~75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley (standard Beam)
- Rye Mashbill51%+ rye (standard Knob Creek Rye)
Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye — Full Review
First Impressions
Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye is the first-ever blend of bourbon and rye from the Knob Creek lineup, crafted by master distillers Fred and Freddie Noe. At 113 proof and roughly $45, this limited release has generated significant buzz since earning the #13 spot on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 Whiskies list — and for good reason: it promises the best of both bourbon and rye in a single bottle.
On the Nose
The nose immediately signals that something different is happening here. Rather than the pure rye spice you'd expect from a Knob Creek rye expression, there's a rich undercurrent of dark caramel and brown sugar courtesy of the 9-year-old bourbon component. Baking spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, clove — layer in from the rye side, while tart orange peel and green apple add a brightness that neither component would achieve alone. It's a genuinely complex nose that rewards patience.
The Palate
On the palate, the blend's construction becomes clear. The bourbon brings a syrupy, full mouthfeel — rich with caramel, vanilla, and honey — while the rye sharpens everything with bright citrus, black pepper, and assertive spice through the mid-palate. A fleeting mint note adds another dimension, and the overall integration at 113 proof is impressive. This drinks remarkably below its proof point, a quality that nearly every reviewer has noted. The balance between sweet and spicy is the headline here: neither bourbon nor rye dominates.
The Finish
The finish is medium-long with pleasant black pepper heat and drying oak tannins. The bourbon's sweetness fades somewhat quickly, leaving the rye to carry the finish — which it does capably, though without the same intensity as a standalone rye expression. A touch of tart citrus remains as the drying quality takes over, leaving a clean, spice-forward conclusion that invites another sip.
The Verdict
Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye is a well-executed experiment that delivers genuine value at $45 for 113 proof. It's an exceptional cocktail base — the dual character makes it equally at home in a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned — and a pleasant sipper that showcases what thoughtful blending can achieve. While it may not replace a dedicated rye or bourbon on your shelf, it earns its place alongside them as something distinctly its own.
Community Tasting Notes
Top Reported Flavors
Rating Distribution
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent value — 113-proof aged blend at $40–$50 is hard to beat
- Drinks remarkably below its 113-proof point with smooth integration
- Outstanding cocktail versatility — excels in both bourbon and rye cocktails
- Unique flavor profile combining bourbon richness with rye spice
Cons
- Limited release availability — may be difficult to find or repurchase
- Neither pure bourbon nor pure rye — purists may prefer a dedicated expression
- Finish lacks the length and depth of standalone high-proof rye expressions
- Chill filtered, which some enthusiasts consider a drawback at this proof level
Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye vs. Knob Creek Rye & High West Bourye
Wondering how Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye compares to the standard Knob Creek rye lineup — or to High West Bourye, the best-known bourbon-rye blend on the market? Here are the verified specs side by side.
| Whiskey | Type | Proof | Age | Price (MSRP) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye | Blended straight whiskeys | 113 | 9-yr bourbon / 7-yr rye | $45 ($40–$50 shelf) | Limited (2024/2025) |
| Knob Creek 7-Year Rye | Kentucky straight rye | 100 | 7 years | ~$35–$40 | Permanent |
| Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Rye | Kentucky straight rye | 115 | 7 years | ~$45–$55 | Permanent |
| Knob Creek 9-Year Bourbon | Kentucky straight bourbon | 100 | 9 years | ~$35 | Permanent |
| High West Bourye (2026) | Blend of straight bourbon & rye | 101 | 10–19 year components | $124.99 | Annual limited |
The takeaway from this comparison: Bourbon x Rye is the accessible entry point to the bourbon-rye blend category. It carries more proof than either standard Knob Creek expression for only a few dollars more, while High West Bourye offers far older components at nearly three times the price. If you enjoy this bottle's balance of caramel sweetness and rye spice, the rest of the Knob Creek rye lineup is the natural next step.
Where to Buy Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye & What to Pay
Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye carries a suggested retail price of $44.99 for a 750 ml bottle, and most shelves land in the $40–$50 range. Because it's a limited release (first issued in July 2024 and re-released in 2025) rather than a permanent line extension, availability varies by market — large chain retailers, well-stocked local liquor stores, and licensed online spirits retailers are the most reliable places to look while current allocations last.
On price: anything close to the $45 MSRP is a fair deal for a 113-proof blend built from 9-year bourbon and 7-year rye. If a secondary seller is asking well above shelf price, remember this was a nationwide release — patience usually beats paying a premium. RyeCentral does not sell alcohol; we simply review it so you can buy your bottle elsewhere with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
