Knob Creek Just Unleashed Its Boldest Bourbon Yet—And Chicago Whiskey Fans Are Lining Up for the Barrel
Chicago’s bourbon scene just got a serious upgrade. If you thought you knew Knob Creek®, think again. The Kentucky-based bourbon icon is turning up the heat—and the proof—with its latest release: Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Cask Strength. It’s bold, it’s unfiltered, and it’s aimed squarely at serious whiskey lovers across Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford, and beyond.
This isn’t your average bottle off the shelf. This is bourbon in its purest, most unapologetic form—straight from the barrel, uncut, unfiltered, and as rich as the Kentucky rickhouses where it was born.
“When my grandfather created Knob Creek, he set out to make a whiskey that stood out—bold, robust, and no shortcuts,”
says Freddie Noeeighth-generation Master Distiller.
“With our Single Barrel Select Program, we pay tribute to that legacy by offering fans the chance to experience Knob Creek in its most authentic form.”
What Makes Cask Strength So Special?
Cask Strength means no dilution. No added water. Just pure, barrel-aged bourbon (or rye) bottled at the proof nature intended—typically ranging from 110–130 for the bourbon and 100–120 for the rye. That’s a serious pour, and every bottle is unique.
Each barrel is hand-selected and varies slightly in character, offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience for enthusiasts who crave depth, power, and authenticity. Expect waves of oak, vanilla, baking spice, and that signature Knob Creek bite that’s become a badge of honor among American whiskey fans.
A Distillery Experience That Goes Beyond the Barrel
For select retailers and whiskey buyers, the Knob Creek Single Barrel Select experience includes an exclusive visit to the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky. There, you’ll thieve bourbon straight from the barrel inside the legendary Warehouse K, participate in guided tastings, and handpick your preferred barrel.
The day ends with a curated meal at The Kitchen Table, the distillery’s chef-driven restaurant, offering a truly immersive food-and-bourbon experience.
Can’t make it to Kentucky? No problem. Knob Creek is rolling out remote barrel selection kits, so even if you’re in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, you can still be part of the selection process—from your local bar, store, or even your kitchen.
Local Availability & Where to Find It
Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength is now rolling out to select retailers across Illinois, including trusted locations throughout Naperville, Rockford, Joliet, and Aurora. With a suggested retail price of $69.99 for a 750mL bottle, it’s a collector’s-quality spirit with a surprisingly accessible price tag.
This release is also ideal for whiskey clubs and high-end retailers looking to offer something distinctive. Each store’s selection will reflect the unique barrel they picked—meaning no two bottles are exactly alike.
Private Barrel Club for the Bourbon Obsessed
If you’re a whiskey purist—or simply want to step into the world of private barrel ownership—Knob Creek’s Private Barrel Club is your next move. Located at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., the program lets you taste, select, and purchase barrels that speak to your palate. Whether you’re an aspiring sommelier or a bar owner looking for a standout house pour, this club gives you VIP access to rare, uncut whiskey the way Booker Noe himself intended.
Details and signup info are available at beamdistilling.com/private-barrel-club.
Final Pour
Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength isn’t just a new bottle—it’s a bold return to bourbon’s roots. It’s proof (literally) that Knob Creek is still setting the standard for American whiskey done right, with no shortcuts, no dilution, and no apologies.
If you’re in the Chicago area and ready to sip something that truly stands out, make room on your shelf—and maybe a little room in your budget—for a barrel-strength bottle that’s all flavor, all heart, and all Knob Creek.
