The Quintessential Chef Gift: Knob Creek Releases Bespoke Cast Iron Skillet Alongside the Limited Return of Its Oldest Bourbon

Knob Creek unveiled a collaboration with Smithey Ironware and the return of its oldest bourbon. (Photo: Knob Creek/Smithey Ironware)

On Friday, Knob Creek announced the return of its oldest bourbon — Knob Creek 18 Year Old — in conjunction with the release of a cast iron skillet from Smithey Ironware. The skillet has been seasoned 18 times — a whopping 15 times more than Smithey’s typical skillets — in celebration of Knob Creek 18’s return.

“Knob Creek fans appreciate the quality of intentional workmanship, and we’re excited to release our extra-aged Knob Creek 18 Year Old for a limited time,” Beam seventh-generation Master Distiller Fred Noe said in a news release. “The partnership between Knob Creek and Smithey Ironware came from the passion that both brands have for the details, whether it’s with cooking or in a fine glass of bourbon.”

Knob Creek’s 18-year-old bourbon is aged twice as long as the brand’s flagship small-batch expression. The bourbon was originally released in 2022 and clocks in at 100 proof.

Knob Creek says it aligned the whiskey’s return with the cast iron skillet because bourbon gets better with time in barrel, just as a cast iron skillet improves with use. Each time a skillet is used, a layer of seasoning is added, thus increasing the quality of performance.

“The partnership between Knob Creek and Smithey came together seamlessly,” Smithey Ironware founder Isaac Morton said. “Both brands stand on the pillar of detailed craftsmanship, so creating a product together that demonstrates that was only right. We’re excited to offer this exclusive cast iron skillet to compliment [sic] the 18 years that Knob Creek’s expertly aged limited edition bourbon, and we know culinary and bourbon fans alike will really appreciate what we’ve designed together.”

Intended to be the perfect gift for cooks and bourbon fans alike, the skillet and bourbon are being released in a set that includes three recipes meant to be used with the skillet. Each dish emphasizes the distinctive flavors of Knob Creek’s whiskey.

The set is available in limited quantities for a suggested retail price of $300. It additionally includes two custom Clayton & Crume leather coasters. It can be purchased here.

Those interested in purchasing the bourbon exclusively can pick up a bottle from retailers at a suggested retail price of $170. The Knob Creek 18 Year Old limited release was wildly popular upon its initial release and received an 8/10 score from Whiskey Raiders. Check out that review here.

Knob Creek 18 Year Old Bourbon Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Nose: Brown sugar and aged oak, with notes of char and caramel.

Taste: Full-bodied with caramelized oak and hints of sweet vanilla and baking spice.

Finish: Warm, with spice and slightly floral, fruity qualities.

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