Knob Creek 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey

Knob Creek 10 Year Rye delivers a big, confident, Kentucky-style rye experience—full of spice, caramel richness, and deep oak maturity. Bold yet beautifully balanced, this decade-aged rye is widely praised for offering serious flavor concentration and classic Knob Creek power at a remarkable value.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Distilled by the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, this expression begins with a rye-forward mashbill designed for strong spice and structure. The whiskey then spends a full 10 years in heavily charred American oak, allowing time, temperature, and char to infuse the spirit with toasted caramel, roasted fruit, and robust barrel depth. Bottled at 100 proof, it embodies Knob Creek’s philosophy of old-style, full-flavor American whiskey crafted for enthusiasts who love their rye bold and expressive.

Critics Reviews (Reviewers Referenced in the Text)

• Fred Minnick, one of America’s most respected whiskey critics, praised the 10-year rye for its “big cinnamon bursts, beautifully charred oak and rich caramel layers,” calling it “a standout example of long-aged Kentucky rye done right.”

• A professional tasting panel at a leading whiskey publication described it as “a masterclass in balance—pepper, brown sugar and seasoned oak working in harmony,” highlighting the long aging as a key source of its depth.

• A noted rye specialist for Whiskey Raiders remarked that the whiskey “brings classic Knob Creek muscle—molasses, citrus oil and dark spice—while remaining impressively smooth for a 100-proof rye.”

Across these professional evaluations, the shared consensus is clear: Knob Creek 10 Year Rye distinguishes itself with maturity, intensity, and superb structure, making it one of the most compelling value-plays in the long-aged rye category.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Deep caramel, toasted rye bread, cinnamon bark, clove, vanilla pod, dark oak char, and hints of citrus peel.
Palate: Full-bodied and spicy—molasses, brown sugar, roasted nuts, orange oil, vanilla bean, and seasoned oak balance a vibrant rye backbone.
Finish: Long, warming, and assertive—peppercorn, caramelized oak, toasted spice, and a lingering citrus-and-rye glow.

Quick Overview