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Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve vs Stellum Bourbon
Comparing Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and Stellum Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve | Stellum Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 9 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 120 proof (60% ABV) +5 proof | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$45 – $55 |
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and Stellum Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Stellum Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 7/3 nuttiness: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 3 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10
heat 8/7 heat: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
spice 7/7 spice: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- 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.
- Stellum Bourbon: Barrell's lower-priced, cask-strength line. It drinks gentler than its proof, with vanilla and caramel on top of cinnamon, clove and a long, spicy finish.
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 Stellum Bourbon if you want a cask-strength, multi-state blend that drinks easier than its proof with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve); neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon).