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Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve vs Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, rye-forward classic versus a sourced, classically built blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve | Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 120 proof (60% ABV) +30 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 ~$28 less | ~$70 – $85 |
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea do not publish an official mash bill.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 Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/3 heat: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
nuttiness 7/3 nuttiness: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 3 out of 10
spice 7/4 spice: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 4 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea: Bourbon that spends months rocking in a ship's hold. Each voyage tastes a little different, but expect caramel and dark sugar with a savory, faintly salty edge from the trip.
Which One Should You Choose?
- 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.
- Go with Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea if you want a conversation-piece bourbon with a savory, slightly briny twist from aging at sea.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea).