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Jim Beam Black vs Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 120 proof (60% ABV) +34 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$25 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Jim Beam Black and Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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 Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/8 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
spice 4/7 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
nuttiness 6/7 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10
fruit 3/3 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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 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 Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
- 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, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve).