Is Knob Creek’s New ‘Blender’s Edition’ the Best Value in Bourbon?

(Photo: Knob Creek)

Knob Creek has long occupied a comfortable place on the mid-shelf: reliable, widely available and consistently delivering age-stated bourbon at a fair price. But with the debut of its new “Blender’s Edition,” Beam is making a more direct value play.

Unveiled Tuesday (although been showing up on shelves for weeks preceding that), the first release in Knob Creek Blender’s Edition series is a 10-year-old bourbon distilled at Beam’s Clermont distillery (DSP-KY-230) and bottled at 106 proof (53% ABV). From the label, it’s clear Beam wants to position this is a “sweet” bourbon. The label calls it a “sweet bourbon blend” and directly compares it to Knob Creek 9 Year Old. A radar chart compares the flavor profiles of the two bottles, showing the new release to be more “sweet” and “vanilla,” while the 9-year-old classic drifts more toward “caramel” and “char.”

The shift in label design is notable for Knob Creek compared to its other regular releases. Like the aforementioned 9-year-old and Knob Creek 12 Year Old (another in the “best values in bourbon” conversation, albeit at a higher price point), this is an age-stated release. Yet, when you first glance at this bottle, you might not notice the age statement; it’s printed in small font at the bottom, far more subtle than the Knob Creek 9 and 12 labels:

At 10 years of age, Knob Creek “Blender’s Edition” sits right between Knob Creek 9 Year Old and Knob Creek 12 Year Old on the age and pricing spectrums.

Most likely, the small-print age statement means Beam wants to differentiate this release from the standard age-stated line, which makes total sense. A new limited series is certainly more exciting to consumers than “Knob Creek 9 Year but a year older.”

Pricing and Tasting Notes

With an MSRP of $44.99, a 106-proof bourbon bearing a 10-year age statement on paper it looks like strong value, and upon tasting it, I’ll take it a step further: Knob Creek Blender’s Edition is immediately one of the best values in bourbon.

The nose leans softer and sweeter than Knob Creek 9 Year Old, trading roasted peanuts for dessert-driven notes and layered fruit character. It’s a noticeable departure — and one that feels intentional, not incidental.

The palate follows through with a texture that stands out, offering a viscous mouthfeel and a balance between oak structure and sweeter, more indulgent flavors. There’s a through-line of fruit and confection that defines the experience, without completely abandoning the oak backbone expected from a 10-year bourbon.

The finish brings additional complexity, evolving beyond simple sweetness into something slightly darker and more nuanced, rounding out a profile that feels cohesive rather than one-note.

To read my full tasting notes and see what score I gave it, find the complete review here: Knob Creek Blender’s Edition Batch 01 Review.

What ultimately makes Blender’s Edition Batch 01 stand out is the combination of flavor profile, proof and price. At $40-$45, this release is affordable. At 106 proof you really get a nice texture on the palate and fuller flavors than most lower-proof whiskeys give you. And ultimately, in the glass, it’s great stuff. Creamy and sweet yet oaky with a little bit of spice. It’s well-rounded, delicious stuff.

That raises the central question: is this the best value in bourbon right now?

Ultimately, we’ll have to see how readily available these bottles are; I’m not sure at the moment how many bottles are being released and what the future will look like for the “Blender’s Edition” series. In the glass alone, though, it’s certainly in the conversation, at least in the mid-shelf range. If you’re a fan of the Beam profile, I think it’ll put up a strong fight against your favorite $40-$50 bottle.

Read More: What’s the Best Mid-Shelf Bourbon? 8 Bottles Worth Spending a Little Extra On

TL;DR: Knob Creek Blender’s Edition makes a splash with its debut, offering a delicious bourbon with a 10-year age statement and a killer proof point for under $50. I’m very curious to see where the “Blender’s Edition” series goes from here.