Compare
Barrell Foundation Bourbon vs Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Put Barrell Foundation Bourbon next to Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and you have a blender-built, high-rye bottling set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Foundation Bourbon | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | 9 years +4 yr |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 120 proof (60% ABV) +20 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $60 | ~$45 – $55 ~$5 less |
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Foundation Bourbon Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/7 nuttiness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
heat 5/8 heat: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon: Barrell's everyday bottle: a multi-state blend proofed down to 100 instead of bottled at cask strength. Creamy cake and vanilla up front, then a dry, rye-driven peppery finish.
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: The same nine-year Knob Creek juice bottled from a single barrel at 120 proof, and the extra strength suits it. Everything the standard bottling does, turned up — with the barrel-to-barrel variation that comes with the format.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve if you want the Beam profile at serious proof for well under what most barrel-strength bourbons cost with an older age statement.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon); neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve).