Nothing signals that bourbon season is in full swing like a surprise announcement, especially if the announcement concerns a covetable Knob Creek release aged over 15 years that’s somehow still priced under $200.
I know how ridiculous that last line sounds to long-time Bourbon fans. It’ll be hard for many to forget that just five years ago, one could find Knob Creek store pick single barrel bottles hovering around 15 years old for $50 even. But those days are long gone, and our definitions of value have to evolve accordingly.
For those unfamiliar, Knob Creek 18 is the oldest whiskey the brand has ever released. The limited edition debuted in 2022 to celebrate the label’s 30th anniversary. It was then re-released in 2023 alongside one of the most exceptional pieces of anniversary merch we’ve ever seen, i.e., a special edition cast-iron skillet by Smithey Ironwear.
Knob CreekBoth earlier editions were generally well-received by experts, most of whom were surprised to discover that it wasn’t overly oaky like many older bourbons.
Mike at The Bourbon Culture called the 2022 release “a surprise hit” and described its incredibly fruit-forward pallet as a “mindfuck.” Fred Minnick called it a “very very good bourbon” but lamented that it didn’t finish like he wanted. Jake Lewellen at Bourbon Lens said the 2023 edition was “what extra aged bourbon should taste like.”
Now the limited run is back again for the third year in a row, any reasonable fan might wonder if it’s on a course to join the whiskey brand’s permanent line up at some point. For now though, Knob Creek hasn’t shared any information along those lines.
According to the press release, what we do know is that the 2024 edition of Knob Creek 18 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey is available now nationwide for a limited time at a suggested retail price of $179.99 for a 750ml bottle.
