Introduction: A Legacy Rooted in Kentucky Bourbon Country
In the rolling hills of central Kentucky, where limestone-filtered water runs deep and American history intertwines with craft, one bourbon brand stands out for its exceptional quality, rich heritage, and deep ties to American legacy: Knob Creek. Famous for its small-batch production, bold flavor profile, and high rye content, Knob Creek has earned a loyal following among bourbon enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. But behind every great bottle lies a story—and at the heart of that narrative lies a crucial question: Who owns Knob Creek?
The answer is more than just a corporate fact—it’s a tale of tradition, innovation, and the evolution of American whiskey. In this comprehensive article, we explore not only who currently owns Knob Creek but also the journey of the brand, its significance in the bourbon world, and how its ownership has shaped its identity and growth over the decades.
The Origins of Knob Creek: Crafted with Purpose
A Tribute to Abraham Lincoln
Knob Creek owes its name to a quiet stretch of land near Hodgenville, Kentucky—Knob Creek Farm—where a young Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years before becoming the 16th President of the United States. The name is a nod to American heritage, rugged individualism, and the authentic, no-nonsense spirit the brand aims to embody.
Launched in 1992, Knob Creek was created during the early revival of premium bourbon in the United States. At a time when many distilleries were focused on mass production, Knob Creek emerged as part of the newly introduced Buffalo Trace Distillery’s “Antique Collection,” designed to showcase artisanal craftsmanship and traditional aging methods.
Reviving Bourbon Premiumization
What set Knob Creek apart from its inception was its bold claim: it was the first bourbon to be marketed at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume) in over a generation. This higher proof, combined with its extended aging process (typically 9 years), made Knob Creek a cornerstone of the “small batch” bourbon movement.
Small batch doesn’t mean tiny production—it refers to the careful selection of barrels to ensure consistency while preserving character. Knob Creek’s founders, including master distillers at what was then known as the Buffalo Trace Distillery, believed that bourbon should be judged not just on age but on flavor intensity, mouthfeel, and complexity.
Current Ownership: Sazerac and the Modern Bourbon Empire
Today, Knob Creek is proudly owned by the Sazerac Company, one of the largest privately held distillers and distributors in the United States. This Louisiana-based company has built a vast portfolio of spirits brands, with a strong focus on American whiskey, Cognac, rum, and premium liqueurs.
Sazerac Company: A Distilling Powerhouse
The Sazerac Company traces its roots back to 1859, when it originally began as a liquor importing business. Fast-forward to the 21st century, and Sazerac is a dominant force in the spirits industry, known for strategic acquisitions and meticulous brand stewardship. Some of its ownership highlights include:
- Buffalo Trace Distillery – The home of Knob Creek production.
- Baker’s Bourbon & Eagle Rare – Fellow members of the Antique Collection.
- Pappy Van Winkle – Possibly the most coveted bourbon brand in the world.
- Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Herbsaint, Southern Comfort
When Sazerac acquired the Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1992—the same year Knob Creek launched—it solidified its legacy as a steward of American whiskey tradition. The distillery itself, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, operates on a historic site that’s been producing spirits since the late 18th century.
The Role of Sazerac in Knob Creek’s Growth
Sazerac’s ownership has been instrumental in elevating Knob Creek beyond a niche craft product into a globally recognized bourbon. Under Sazerac’s guidance, the brand has seen:
| Initiative | Impact on Knob Creek |
|---|---|
| Brand Expansion | Launching new expressions like Knob Creek Rye, Smoked Maple, and Single Barrel Reserve |
| Marketing Campaigns | National advertising, including cinematic 2015 Super Bowl ad with Jeff Bridges |
| Production Capacity | Investment in aging warehouses, infrastructure, and sustainability at Buffalo Trace |
| Global Distribution | Expanded presence in Europe, Asia, and Latin America |
Sazerac’s reputation for respecting heritage while embracing innovation makes it a fitting guardian of Knob Creek’s tradition. The company has resisted the temptation to dilute the brand’s identity for mass appeal. Instead, it’s doubled down on quality—a decision that has paid dividends in consumer loyalty.
The Distillery: Where Knob Creek is Made
Knob Creek is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, a National Historic Landmark and often regarded as one of the greatest whiskey distilleries in the world. This sprawling 130-acre complex on the banks of the Kentucky River has been crafting spirits since 1775.
Production Process: Crafting the “Bold Bourbon for Bold People”
Knob Creek lives up to its slogan through a meticulous process that blends tradition with precision science:
- Grain Selection: A mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, with the high rye content adding spice and complexity.
- Distillation: Distilled in copper column stills at Buffalo Trace, preserving the richness of the fermented mash.
- Aging: Aged in hand-selected white oak barrels for a minimum of 9 years—far longer than the legal standard for bourbon (2 years).
- Bottling: Barreled at 125 proof and bottled at 100 proof, allowing the spirit to mature fully in the barrel rather than being diluted upon distillation.
The barrels are stored in the distillery’s iconic warehouse stacks, where the Kentucky climate—hot summers and cold winters—causes the spirit to expand and contract through the wood, extracting deep oak flavor and rich caramel notes.
Masterful Stewardship: The Distillers Behind the Brand
A critical factor in Knob Creek’s consistent quality has been the leadership of master distillers and blenders at Buffalo Trace. Notably, the brand was developed under the guidance of Harlen Wheatley—Sazerac’s now-famous Master Distiller since 2005—who holds an engineering degree and brings scientific rigor to craft distillation.
Wheatley oversees every aspect of production, from fermentation cycles to barrel rotation. His dedication to craftsmanship earned Buffalo Trace Distillery the title of “Distillery of the Year” by Whisky Magazine” multiple times during his tenure.
Brand Expansion: How Knob Creek Evolved Under Sazerac
While Sazerac has maintained Knob Creek’s core identity, it has also encouraged innovation to appeal to evolving consumer tastes. In recent years, the brand has released several new variations to complement its original bourbon expression.
Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon – The Original
The flagship 9-year-old bourbon remains the cornerstone of the brand. Available in multiple sizes and special anniversary editions, it continues to be praised for its deep amber color, full-bodied texture, and balanced finish of oak, caramel, and subtle smoke.
Key tasting notes:
- Nose: Sweet oak, nutty walnut, hints of vanilla and spice
- Palate: Rich mouthfeel with caramel, toasted nuts, and cinnamon
- Finish: Long and warming, with a peppery spice that fades into sweetness
Knob Creek Rye Whiskey – A Spicier Alternative
Introduced in 2012, Knob Creek Rye is made from a mash bill of 51% rye, 22% corn, and 27% malted barley. Bottled at 100 proof, it offers a bolder, more assertive profile—perfect for cocktail enthusiasts and fans of spice-forward whiskeys. It’s crafted using the same small batch production principles as the original.
Seasonal and Limited Editions
Sazerac has leveraged Knob Creek’s prestige to release limited expressions, often celebrating milestones or experimenting with flavor:
- Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon (2020): A unique infusion of bourbon with maple wood smoke, appealing to fans of barrel-aged flavor twists.
- Knob Creek 12-Year-Old Age Statement: A rarer expression showcasing the effects of extended aging.
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: Sold exclusively at the distillery and select retailers, each bottle comes from a single, hand-picked barrel.
These innovations have allowed Knob Creek to explore new markets and demographics—without compromising its flagship identity.
Cultural Impact and Marketing: How Knob Creek Became a Household Name
One of the most pivotal moments in Knob Creek’s history came in 2015, when a cinematic commercial aired during the Super Bowl. Featuring actor Jeff Bridges as a solitary figure sipping Knob Creek by a campfire, the ad carried a powerful message:
“Bourbon isn’t made in days. It’s made in years. Real bourbon takes time. And Knob Creek respects that time.”
This campaign, known as “Make Time. Respect Time.” elevated Knob Creek from a craft enthusiast’s favorite to a nationally recognized brand. It tapped into the modern cultural craving for authenticity, patience, and substance—values that increasingly resonate in a world of instant gratification.
Knob Creek and the Premium Bourbon Movement
The success of Knob Creek has paralleled a broader resurgence in American spirits:
- From 2000 to 2020, bourbon sales in the U.S. more than doubled, according to the Distilled Spirits Council.
- Premium and super-premium spirits now account for over 60% of the market growth.
- Consumers are increasingly willing to pay for aged, artisanal, and storyteller-driven brands—exactly what Knob Creek represents.
Sazerac, through Knob Creek and its other premium labels, has helped shift public perception: bourbon is no longer just “cheap southern liquor” but a sophisticated, globally competitive spirit that rivals Scotch and Cognac in depth and elegance.
Sazerac’s Ownership Strategy: Why It Matters
While many large spirit companies prioritize profit over product integrity (for example, by watering down recipes or cutting aging times), Sazerac has maintained a different approach—one that honors both legacy and long-term brand equity.
Preservation of Authenticity
Even as demand for Knob Creek has grown, Sazerac has resisted shortening the aging process. While competitor brands have reduced age statements due to supply shortages or cost pressures, Knob Creek’s flagship 9-year age statement remains intact—though increasingly, the brand notes “aged up to 9 years” rather than a strict minimum due to inventory variability.
Still, compared to other premium brands in the same tier, Knob Creek’s commitment to aging is exceptional.
Distillery Investment and Sustainability
Under Sazerac’s ownership, Buffalo Trace has received significant investments:
- Expansion of warehouse capacity (including Warehouse X, a state-of-the-art research facility)
- Implementation of environmentally sustainable water recycling and distillation processes
- Commitment to traceable sourcing of grains and wood
Such efforts not only ensure product continuity but also cater to the growing consumer interest in sustainable production and corporate responsibility.
A Private Company with a Long-Term Vision
One of Sazerac’s greatest strengths is that it’s a privately held company. Unlike public corporations that must answer to quarterly earnings reports, Sazerac can focus on decades-long projects and brand investments. This long-term outlook has enabled it to nurture Knob Creek slowly and deliberately, building equity rather than extracting short-term value.
Competitors and Market Position
Knob Creek occupies a unique space in the bourbon landscape—bridging the gap between accessible premium and ultra-premium collectibles.
Key Competitors in the Premium Bourbon Segment
| Brand | Proof | Age Statement | Owner |
|———————|———|—————|——————|
| Knob Creek Small Batch | 100 | 9 years | Sazerac |
| Woodford Reserve | 90.4 | NAS* | Brown-Forman |
| Maker’s Mark Cask Strength | 108–114 | NAS | Beam Suntory |
| Elijah Craig 12-Year | 94 | 12 years | Heaven Hill |
| Four Roses Small Batch | 90 | NAS | Kirin Holdings |
*NAS = No Age Statement
Knob Creek often wins in flavor comparisons for its boldness and warmth. It’s particularly favored in blind tastings among aficionados who prefer high-rye, full-bodied profiles.
Positioning in the Sazerac Portfolio
Within Sazerac’s portfolio, Knob Creek sits alongside brands like Buffalo Trace (the distillery’s signature non-age-stated bourbon), Eagle Rare, and the legendary Pappy Van Winkle. Knob Creek’s role is crucial—it delivers consistent, accessible premium bourbon while acting as a gateway to more exclusive offerings.
Conclusion: More Than Just Ownership—A Legacy in Every Drop
The simple answer is: Knob Creek is owned by the Sazerac Company and produced at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery. But beyond this factual statement lies a deeper truth—ownership of Knob Creek means stewardship of a legacy.
Sazerac hasn’t just owned Knob Creek; it has respected, expanded, and elevated it. From honoring the traditional aging process to introducing creative new flavors, the company has ensured that Knob Creek remains both authentic and innovative. And under the guidance of master distillers like Harlen Wheatley and with cultural moments like its iconic Super Bowl campaign, the brand has earned its place among bourbon royalty.
For bourbon connoisseurs, Knob Creek represents a benchmark in craftsmanship—an American spirit worthy of slowing down, savoring, and appreciating. For newcomers, it’s an entry point into the rich, complex world of aged bourbon. And for the company behind it all, it’s more than a product—it’s a promise to make time and respect time.
So next time you pour a glass of Knob Creek, know that you’re not just drinking bourbon. You’re tasting history, craftsmanship, and the enduring American spirit—carefully curated by one of the most respected names in the industry: Sazerac.
Who currently owns Knob Creek bourbon?
Knob Creek bourbon is currently owned by Sazerac Company, a prominent American private distilling company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana. Sazerac acquired the brand as part of its broader purchase of the Fred B. Noe Distillery (formerly Beam Inc.) assets in 2019, though the brand originally came under their ownership earlier through the acquisition of the larger portfolio that included other well-known bourbon labels. The Sazerac Company is responsible for the production, marketing, and distribution of Knob Creek, maintaining its legacy as a premium small-batch bourbon.
The acquisition by Sazerac strengthened its position in the high-end whiskey market, as Knob Creek sits alongside other flagship brands like Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare in their portfolio. Despite changes in ownership over the years, the brand has preserved its commitment to quality and traditional bourbon-making methods. Sazerac continues to produce Knob Creek at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, under the supervision of the Beam family’s master distillers, ensuring consistency with its heritage.
What is the history behind the Knob Creek brand?
Knob Creek was introduced in 1992 by Jim Beam Brands, now part of the Beam family legacy, as a bold entry into the super-premium bourbon category. The brand was created to honor the legacy of Colonel James Beauregard Thompson, better known as Jim Beam, who began distilling in the late 18th century near Knob Creek, Kentucky—a small waterway close to his childhood home. The name pays tribute to the origins of the Beam family’s distilling tradition and emphasizes authenticity and craftsmanship.
From the beginning, Knob Creek set itself apart by aging its bourbon for nine years—significantly longer than most bourbons on the market—and bottling it at 100 proof to deliver a richer, fuller flavor. It was one of the pioneers of the small-batch bourbon movement, helping to elevate consumer expectations for quality and transparency in whiskey production. Its success laid the foundation for the growth of premium bourbon in the U.S., influencing many distillers to adopt similar high standards.
Is Knob Creek made by Jim Beam?
Yes, Knob Creek is produced by the same team and at the same distillery complex as Jim Beam, specifically at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, now officially known as the Fred B. Noe Distillery in honor of the seventh-generation Beam family master distiller. While Knob Creek and Jim Beam appeal to different market segments, they share the foundational sour mash process, limestone-filtered water, and expertise of the Beam family distillers, which contributes to the consistent quality and signature taste.
However, Knob Creek is positioned as a higher-end product compared to the standard Jim Beam lineup. It undergoes a longer aging process—typically nine years—and is bottled at 100 proof, giving it a more robust and complex flavor profile. Despite corporate ownership now resting with Sazerac, the production methods and oversight remain deeply rooted in the Beam family traditions, with master distillers like Fred Noe actively involved in maintaining the brand’s integrity.
What makes Knob Creek different from other bourbons?
Knob Creek stands out due to its commitment to traditional, time-honored bourbon-making techniques and its stringent aging and proof standards. Unlike many mainstream bourbons aged for just four to six years, Knob Creek is aged for a full nine years, allowing deeper interaction between the whiskey and the charred oak barrels. This extended aging imparts richer flavors of caramel, oak, and spice, creating a fuller-bodied and more complex spirit appreciated by connoisseurs.
Additionally, Knob Creek is bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume), which enhances its flavor intensity and mouthfeel. This higher proof, combined with the small-batch production process, results in a more authentic and robust drinking experience. The brand also emphasizes transparency, with information about sourcing and production readily available, appealing to modern consumers who value craftsmanship and heritage in their spirits.
Does the Beam family still have a role in Knob Creek production?
Yes, members of the Beam family remain actively involved in the production of Knob Creek, even though the brand is now owned by Sazerac. Fred Noe, the seventh-generation Beam family master distiller and son of legendary Jim Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe, continues to oversee the quality and authenticity of the brand. Booker Noe was the original creator of Knob Creek, envisioning it as a return to traditional, unadulterated bourbon craftsmanship.
This family involvement ensures that the bourbon is made in accordance with the techniques and standards passed down through generations of Beam distillers. Fred Noe frequently appears in promotional content and provides insights into the brand’s heritage, reinforcing the connection between the product and the Beam name. Their guidance helps maintain consistency and credibility, which are vital to Knob Creek’s reputation as a premium bourbon.
Where is Knob Creek bourbon produced?
Knob Creek bourbon is produced at the Fred B. Noe Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, located in the heart of bourbon country. Formerly known as the Jim Beam Distillery, this facility has been a cornerstone of American bourbon production since its establishment. The distillery benefits from the region’s ideal conditions for whiskey aging, including a humid climate and access to pure, limestone-filtered water—key factors in crafting high-quality bourbon.
The production site not only houses the fermentation and distillation equipment but also manages barrel aging in massive warehouses where Knob Creek matures for its full nine-year cycle. Visitors can tour the distillery to see the process firsthand and learn about the brand’s history and craftsmanship. Despite corporate ownership changes, the location and methods used in Clermont remain central to Knob Creek’s identity and quality.
Are there different expressions of Knob Creek available?
Yes, Knob Creek offers several expressions beyond its flagship 9-year-old small batch bourbon, catering to a range of tastes and occasions. These include Knob Creek Rye, Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon, Knob Creek Single Barrels, and limited-edition offerings like Knob Creek 12-Year-Old and 15-Year-Old whiskeys. Each variation maintains the brand’s emphasis on quality and aging, while exploring different mash bills, flavor profiles, and barrel selection techniques.
Additionally, Knob Creek occasionally releases seasonal or experimental bourbons, such as their “Seasoned Oak” series, which uses unique barrel finishes to introduce new layers of flavor. These expressions allow bourbon enthusiasts to explore the versatility of the brand while staying true to its core principles of craftsmanship and authenticity. The wide range ensures that both longtime fans and new drinkers can find a Knob Creek product suited to their preference.