Jim Beam (Beam Suntory)
Knob Creek 12 Year Small Batch Bourbon Review
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey · 12 Years
Knob Creek's 12-year expression is a straight bourbon from Beam Suntory with rich flavor profile.
Get It Here
Rating Breakdown
Flavor Profile
Tasting Journey
Nose
Dark caramel, toasted oak, vanilla extract, brown sugar, rye spice, dried cherry, and nutmeg
Palate
Bold oak, toffee, peanut brittle, black pepper, cinnamon, dried fruit, and a touch of dark honey
Finish
Length: LongLong and warming with lingering oak, caramel, baking spice, and a pleasant tannic dryness
Specs
Price / Value
MSRP: $59.99
Your Rating
Click to rate
Our Score: 87/100
Pairings
Food
- BBQ ribs
- sharp cheddar
- roasted pecans
- brown butter desserts
- grilled pork chops
Cocktails
- Old Fashioned
- Manhattan
- Bourbon Smash
Our Verdict
Knob Creek 12 delivers serious age and proof at a very fair price. The extra years in the barrel give it a depth and oak richness that the standard 9-year can't match. One of the best values in the bourbon aisle for a well-aged, 100-proof sipper.
Buy NowHow We Score
Every spirit is tasted blind in a Glencairn glass across multiple sessions on different days. We score on a 100-point weighted scale, recording notes before the label is revealed to eliminate brand bias.
Rating Criteria
Aroma complexity, intensity, and appeal
Flavor depth, balance, and mouthfeel
Length, evolution, and lingering notes
Quality relative to price point
Layered character and uniqueness
Why Trust This Review
Boozemakers is an independent spirits publication built by passionate enthusiasts. Every bottle is purchased at full retail — never gifted, never sponsored. We use a structured blind-tasting methodology, scoring across five dimensions before revealing the label. We maintain complete editorial independence: no brand has ever paid for coverage, and affiliate links never influence our scores.
Editorial independence notice: Boozemakers maintains full editorial independence. We purchase all products at retail and are never compensated for our reviews. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Community Reviews
No community reviews yet. Be the first!