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Jim Beam Black vs Knob Creek 9 Year
Jim Beam Black and Knob Creek 9 Year are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is proof (86 vs. 100).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Knob Creek 9 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | 9 years +2 yr |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$13 less | ~$35 – $40 |
- Jim Beam Black and Knob Creek 9 Year do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Knob Creek 9 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Knob Creek 9 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/6 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Knob Creek 9 Year 6 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Knob Creek 9 Year 8 out of 10
heat 3/5 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Knob Creek 9 Year 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Knob Creek 9 Year 5 out of 10
nuttiness 6/7 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Knob Creek 9 Year 7 out of 10
fruit 3/3 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Knob Creek 9 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
- Knob Creek 9 Year: This classic Jim Beam offering leans heavily into traditional oak, rich caramel, vanilla, and the signature Beam peanut-funk nuttiness. At 100 proof it delivers a bolder, more structural wood-and-spice influence with a touch of citrus zest and mint on the finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
- Go with Knob Creek 9 Year if you want a classic peanut-and-oak-forward Kentucky bourbon with an older age statement with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Knob Creek 9 Year).