Compare
Knob Creek 9 Year vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Comparing Knob Creek 9 Year and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Knob Creek 9 Year | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 9 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +10 proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$35 – $40 ~$23 less | ~$55 – $65 |
- Knob Creek 9 Year and Jefferson's Reserve Very Old do not publish an official mash bill.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
Knob Creek 9 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Knob Creek 9 Year Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 7/3 nuttiness: Knob Creek 9 Year 7 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
fruit 3/6 fruit: Knob Creek 9 Year 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Knob Creek 9 Year 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Knob Creek 9 Year 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
oak 8/7 oak: Knob Creek 9 Year 8 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
heat 5/4 heat: Knob Creek 9 Year 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- 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.
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old: The older, drier sibling of Jefferson's Very Small Batch. Buttery toffee and dried fruit sit on a firm, slightly smoky oak backbone, and the finish turns peppery and long.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Knob Creek 9 Year if you want a classic peanut-and-oak-forward Kentucky bourbon with an older age statement at a lower price point.
- Go with Jefferson's Reserve Very Old if you want a mature, oak-driven blend with dried fruit and a dry, peppery finish at an easy proof.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Knob Creek 9 Year); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).