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Stellum Bourbon vs Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Comparing Stellum Bourbon and Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Stellum Bourbon | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 9 years |
| Proof | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) | 120 proof (60% ABV) +5 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$45 – $55 |
- Stellum Bourbon and Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Stellum Bourbon Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/7 nuttiness: Stellum Bourbon 3 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
fruit 4/3 fruit: Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10
heat 7/8 heat: Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10
spice 7/7 spice: Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon); neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve).