First Impressions

Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye is the first-ever blend of bourbon and rye from the Knob Creek lineup, crafted by master distillers Fred and Freddie Noe. At 113 proof and roughly $45, this limited release has generated significant buzz since earning the #13 spot on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 Whiskies list — and for good reason: it promises the best of both bourbon and rye in a single bottle.

On the Nose

The nose immediately signals that something different is happening here. Rather than the pure rye spice you'd expect from a Knob Creek rye expression, there's a rich undercurrent of dark caramel and brown sugar courtesy of the 9-year-old bourbon component. Baking spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, clove — layer in from the rye side, while tart orange peel and green apple add a brightness that neither component would achieve alone. It's a genuinely complex nose that rewards patience.

The Palate

On the palate, the blend's construction becomes clear. The bourbon brings a syrupy, full mouthfeel — rich with caramel, vanilla, and honey — while the rye sharpens everything with bright citrus, black pepper, and assertive spice through the mid-palate. A fleeting mint note adds another dimension, and the overall integration at 113 proof is impressive. This drinks remarkably below its proof point, a quality that nearly every reviewer has noted. The balance between sweet and spicy is the headline here: neither bourbon nor rye dominates.

The Finish

The finish is medium-long with pleasant black pepper heat and drying oak tannins. The bourbon's sweetness fades somewhat quickly, leaving the rye to carry the finish — which it does capably, though without the same intensity as a standalone rye expression. A touch of tart citrus remains as the drying quality takes over, leaving a clean, spice-forward conclusion that invites another sip.

The Verdict

Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye is a well-executed experiment that delivers genuine value at $45 for 113 proof. It's an exceptional cocktail base — the dual character makes it equally at home in a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned — and a pleasant sipper that showcases what thoughtful blending can achieve. While it may not replace a dedicated rye or bourbon on your shelf, it earns its place alongside them as something distinctly its own.