top of page

Knob Creek 21 Year Limited Edition Review

Updated: Sep 23, 2025


Knob Creek 21 Year Straight Bourbon in a wooden box, displayed on a shelf with a blurred library background. Info card details and specs.

Knob Creek 21 Year Limited Edition - Jim Beam

Knob Creek 21 Year - Limited Edition


As we waited in the General Admission line for the 2nd day of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, we watched golf cart after golf cart zoom by, loaded down with cases of the Knob Creek 21 Year. Until then, I didn't realize it was the first time it would be dropping for the public, but we went straight to the Jim Beam tent to try to grab a bottle. We were told that we missed the cutoff point in line to get a bottle, but we decided to stay to see what else was available.

We didn't miss the cutoff after all!

Nose


Cherry Starbursts, Cotton Candy from the Carnival, Charred Citrus Peel, Worn Saddle Leather, Baking Spice, Vanilla Extract, and then Heavy Caramel after opening up for ~20 minutes.

Palate


Cherry Lozenges, Barrel Spice, Dense Oak, Burnt Sugar, Faint Pepper, Orange Peel, Slightly Oil but a little on the thin side if you're used to barrel proof.

Finish


Very long finish, Drying, Vanilla Extract bitterness, Barrel Char - the extra age is noticeable.

Complexity


It started with confectionary sweetness on the nose, then swung hard into intense dark flavors, and bounced around as oxidation did its thing. This is a thinking whiskey that I could sit with for a long while.

Uniqueness


I don't think I've seen an older Beam product up to this point, so it was a curiosity if nothing else. As far as heritage distilleries go, hyper-aged bourbons are the minority compared to what we readily see on shelves, and the profile that comes with these older aged state bourbons can't really be replicated without that age.

Value


One the price side, at $250 MSRP, the Knob Creek 21 Year Limited Edition isn't cheap. Compared to other heritage distillery offerings that fall into the 20 year+ range, it is roughly in line with what you might expect in 2025 (it may be a while before we see ~16 year Knob Creek single barrels for ~$50-$60 again).


I do have a single value defensible box to check on the flavor side - some of the notes that this release brings to the table are rarely, or never, found outside of hyper-aged bourbons. After 21+ years, the angles usually have had more than their fair share - yields go down, costs go up. It doesn't mean it's "better", but if you are a fan of oak and are looking for this profile in particular, it will almost always require a higher entry price to find it.

Final Impression

Nosing and sipping brings wave after wave of flavor, and it changes a bit as it opens up. It is intense, and I have to imagine that has a lot to do with the age. Sweetness on the nose gave way to deep, dark, powerful notes on the palate and finish. I think it could potentially be challenging for some, especially if sensitive to oak, but for enthusiasts looking for something to sit with and dig into, it would probably be interesting.


My approach to whiskies for the last 5 or so years has been to look at "different, not better." This is is right in my lane for that - you know it's a Bourbon, but it's not the profile of an everyday drinker. There are some things that you rarely find in Bourbons that haven't seen maturation into their late teens and early 20s. If nothing else, it is the first example of what 20+ years in a barrel does to a Jim Beam product.


Brown and green score chart for Knob Creek 21 Year Limited Edition. Quality: 8.1, Value: 8.1. Detailed ratings include nose, palate, finish, complexity, and uniqueness.
bottom of page