Knob Creek Blender's Edition 01 (10 Year, 106 Proof)

Knob Creek has long built its reputation on delivering bold, oak-forward bourbons with age statements that actually mean something, and the Blender’s Edition 01 continues that tradition with a bit of added intrigue. As a 10-year, 106-proof Kentucky straight bourbon, this release promises a balance of maturity, richness, and classic Jim Beam profile, but with a slightly more curated, small-batch touch at a price point that remains approachable. With that in mind, here is my “first pour” review of Knob Creek Blender’s Edition 01 at 10 Years and 106 Proof.

Nose

Right from the initial pour, the profile is unmistakable; rich cinnamon spice and warm caramel lead the way. Beneath that sits a subtle, slightly sweet berry note reminiscent of strawberry rhubarb, though without any tartness or bitterness. There’s a faint ethanol presence that weaves through the spice, adding a light prickle to the nose hairs. At this stage, the aroma is more straightforward than complex, with ethanol occasionally interrupting deeper exploration.

Palate

This is where the bourbon truly begins to shine. It opens with a moderately oily, almost creamy mouthfeel, an attribute that immediately elevates the tasting experience. A bold wave of baking spices hits up front, cinnamon, clove, and a touch of nutmeg, before giving way to a rich, sugary caramel sweetness. Hints of toasted vanilla and brown sugar develop mid-palate, adding depth. Despite being listed as 106 proof, it drinks hotter than expected, with the intensity building after the mid-palate. Overall, it’s a flavorful tasting experience.

Finish

The finish turns assertive. A confectioner’s sugar sweetness briefly emerges before being overtaken by a lingering ethanol heat. As it evolves, it dries out with notes of tannic oak, black tea, and cracked black pepper. The oak leads the way; however, there’s an astringent edge late in the finish.

Final Thoughts

At an MSRP of 44.99, this is a very good value, especially for a 10-year Kentucky straight bourbon. Where it stands out most is its creamy, moderately oily mouthfeel paired with a bold, caramel spice-forward profile. While the nose is somewhat restrained and ethanol-forward on the first pour, the palate delivers a wonderful experience. This feels like a bourbon that could open up nicely with a bit of time and air, so it will be interesting to revisit after the bottle has had a chance to open up.