Knob Creek released its oldest expression to date last year, an 18-year-old bourbon that delighted fans of older age statement American whiskey. That limited release has returned for 2023, and for the launch the brand collaborated with Smithey Ironware on a cast iron skillet that was seasoned—you guessed it—a total of 18 times.
The core Knob Creek bourbon carries a nine-year-old age statement, a marker it regained in 2020 after a four-year absence that rankled some whiskey drinkers’ nerves. But that wasn’t the only news from the brand, part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection (along with Booker’s, Baker’s, and Basil Hayden). 12, 15, and 18-year-old expressions were added to the lineup over the past few years, the first as a permanent addition and the others in more limited numbers. Knob Creek 18 is bottled at the same 100 proof as the other expressions, and while for some the 15-year-old might hit that sweet spot of the older bourbon flavor profile, if you like something a bit oakier the 18 is a good whiskey to try. Look for notes of brown sugar, leather, caramel, and maple on the palate, with a healthy dose of tannins.
As mentioned earlier, this release comes along with a partner collaboration with cookware brand Smithey Ironware in the form of a cast iron skillet seasoned 18 times instead of the usual three. “The partnership between Knob Creek and Smithey Ironware came from the passion that both brands have for the details, whether it’s with cooking or in a fine glass of bourbon,” said seventh generation master distiller Fred Noe in a statement. “With this special 18x seasoned cast iron skillet, we were able to come together and create a product that celebrates those fine details, alongside the re-release of Knob Creek’s oldest release to date.”
You can find the Knob Creek & Smithey 18X Seasoned Skillet Set (SRP $300) for sale at the brand’s website along with some whiskey-themed recipes—but no bourbon is included with your purchase. To get a bottle of the new re-rerelease of Knob Creek 18, check out online retailers like ReserveBar.
For more information please visit https://www.knobcreek.com/