As major players in the American whiskey sector explore new trends, the concept of combining bourbon and rye, frequently called “Bourye,” holds significant allure. This term, originated by Utah’s High West with its annual release, merges two traditional American distillery products without requiring significant investment in research and development. Although crafting a bourbon-rye blend could involve complex processes like additional aging post-blending, many distilleries choose to mix finished batches of bourbon and rye, creating a new product for the market. Ideally, such a product might offer insights into the distillery’s own spirits, though it may not fulfill this potential universally. This seems to be the case with Jim Beam’s new Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Whiskey, where the blend seems more opportunistic than a perfect matrimony of flavors.

The idea of a Bourye from Jim Beam isn’t unappealing. However, the decision to base it on their established Knob Creek lines perhaps lacks creativity from an artistic perspective. It reflects an easily made business decision, combining only the flagship Knob Creek Small Batch (9 Year) Bourbon and Knob Creek (7 Year) Straight Rye. This approach might remind some of Smucker’s Goober Grape, where peanut butter and jelly are combined in a single jar—an idea interesting yet lacking inventiveness. There’s potential for something more imaginative.

Perhaps my expectations are unfairly high, and maybe I’m not giving enough credit to the company. Nonetheless, the Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye triggers some disappointment in me—I hoped for a blend that diverged more from the standard offerings. However, one notable aspect of this whiskey is its 56.5% ABV (113 proof), quite a bit higher than the usual 100 proof typical of most Knob Creek variants, which might indicate that the bourbon part of the blend (30%) was added at near cask strength. Priced at $45 MSRP, it still offers good value, characteristic of the Knob Creek range. In my view, the Knob Creek 12 Year Bourbon especially stands out as a top value in the American whiskey scene.

Let us proceed to explore the flavors of this Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Whiskey fusion.

The aroma presents a dominant herbal quality, a characteristic I pinned down before learning rye whiskey constitutes 70% of this blend. Notable are vibrant citrus tones and lighter notes of candied nuts, honey, and traces of roasted oak, paired with a subtle red fruitiness typical of mature Beam bourbon. Distinct earthy spices like fennel or anise emerge prominently, accompanied by a robust kick of pepper. There’s also a noticeable presence of ethanol, which slightly stings as it dissects the nuanced fragrance.

Tasting it, the citrus note reappears, surrounded by a diverse array of peppercorns, light honey, and caramel. Interwoven are occasional hints of leather and a more pronounced herbal savoriness, enhanced with sporadic bursts of red fruit and a touch of charred firewood. The whiskey’s strength is palpable, especially in the lingering, spice-dense finish dominated by cinnamon red hots. Despite my curiosity about a potential reduction to Knob Creek’s typical 100 proof, such a change might not align with the desires of most American whiskey enthusiasts who favor strength in their spirits. Increased rye content in this blend lends a somewhat heated sensation.

From a constructive standpoint, this fusion isn’t flawed. It’s hard to critique the Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye for its quality constituents. Yet, it feels slightly mismatched to me. Either the bourbon or the rye might offer more fulfillment if featured solo. This collaboration doesn’t necessarily enlighten us with new insights about the brands involved. Ideally, it should highlight an element making the familiar profiles seem novel or distinctive. Instead, it underscores the solid foundation of Knob Creek’s mainstay products. Still, priced at just $45 for a “limited edition” offering, the risk is minimal. Fans of Knob Creek’s original lineups might appreciate this variant with little financial outlay.

Distillery: Jim Beam

City: Clermont, KY

Style: Kentucky straight blended whiskey

ABV: 56.5% (113 proof)

Availability: 750 ml bottles, $45 MSRP

Jim Vorel is a staff writer at Paste specializing in beer and spirits. Follow his beverage-related posts by following him on Twitter.

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