‘Whiskey Without Shortcuts’: Knob Creek Cranks It Up to 10 Years With Extra-Aged Straight Rye

(Photo: Knob Creek)

Knob Creek Bourbon announced Wednesday that it is expanding its varied catalog with a 10-year age statement that reinterprets the brand’s 2012 Straight Rye Whiskey release.

Made pre-Prohibition style, using a higher mash bill of two-row malted barley, Knob Creek 10 Year Old Rye is aged for a decade in deeply charred barrels before being bottled at 50% ABV. According to eighth-generation master distiller Freddie Noe, the expression quietly pays tribute to brand founder Booker Noe.

“Whiskey enthusiasts know when they’re drinking our whiskey, it’s aged to perfection and crafted with exceptional full flavor. We’re excited to bring an extra-aged rye whiskey with even more robust flavors from a decade of aging in our barrels,” Noe said in a news release. “When my grandfather created Knob Creek over 30 years ago, he set out with the intention to craft a premium whiskey without shortcuts, and we’re excited to continue his legacy – I know he’d love it, just like our fans will.”

Those hoping to snatch up the release can find it online at a suggested retail price of $69.99.

Knob Creek — arguably best known for its bourbons — has developed an affinity for rye bottlings over the past few years. While its initial rye release delivered a spice-forward palate of clove and brown sugar, other iterations including its Twice Barreled Rye and Single Barrel Select Rye have taken the concept in different directions. We were particular fans of the brand’s 2009 Cask Strength Rye, brimming with heady flavors of toffee, syrup and tobacco alongside a welcomely high 59.8%-ABV.

Knob Creek 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey Tasting Notes, Per the Brand

• Color: “Tawny with waves of copper”
• Aroma: “Rich Caramel and vanilla, deep rye spice and dried apple”
• Taste: “Black peppercorn, creamy vanilla and caramel, and hints of deep oak and char”
• Finish: “Smooth, lingering notes of baking spice”

Join the Whiskey Raiders Bottle of the Month Club, where you will receive hard-to-find bottles curated by Whiskey Raiders staff with a 90+ rating on whiskeyraiders.com plus live virtual tastings. Sign up here!