Knob Creek Smoked Maple Flavored Bourbon Whiskey – 90 Proof (45% ABV) | 750ml

Knob Creek Smoked Maple Flavored Bourbon Whiskey combines the rich, full-bodied character of Kentucky bourbon with the sweetness of maple and the distinctive depth of smoky flavors. Produced by Knob Creek, part of the renowned James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, this expression offers a unique interpretation of traditional American bourbon whiskey.

Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) in a 750ml bottle, Knob Creek Smoked Maple delivers a flavorful combination of maple syrup, caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and gentle smoke. The sweetness of maple complements the bourbon's natural richness, while smoky undertones add depth and balance.

With its combination of classic Kentucky whiskey character and distinctive maple flavor, Knob Creek Smoked Maple offers an approachable yet full-flavored expression for those who enjoy bourbon with a sweeter, smoky profile.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Smoked Maple Flavored Bourbon Whiskey

Expression: Smoked Maple

Producer: Knob Creek

Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Origin: Clermont, Kentucky, USA

Whiskey Base: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

Flavor Profile: Smoked Maple

Barrel Maturation: Bourbon Aged in New Charred Oak Barrels

Alcohol Content: 45% ABV (90 Proof)

Bottle Size: 750ml

Tasting Profile: Maple Syrup • Caramel • Vanilla • Toasted Oak • Brown Sugar • Gentle Smoke

Process & Aging

Knob Creek Smoked Maple Flavored Bourbon Whiskey begins with a Kentucky bourbon whiskey base produced using traditional American whiskey-making methods.

Bourbon is made from a grain mash containing at least 51% corn, which contributes the natural sweetness associated with the spirit.

The remaining grains help provide additional structure, spice, and complexity.

Following fermentation and distillation, the bourbon is matured in new charred oak barrels, allowing the whiskey to develop its characteristic caramel, vanilla, toasted wood, and baking-spice flavors.

Oak maturation plays an important role in establishing the rich foundation that distinguishes Knob Creek whiskey.

After the bourbon base has matured, smoked maple flavor is incorporated to create the expression's distinctive profile.

The maple component contributes sweetness and a recognizable maple-syrup character, while the smoky element adds depth and complements the bourbon's oak-derived flavors.

The combination creates a balance between traditional whiskey characteristics and the sweeter flavor profile of maple.

Unlike standard Knob Creek bourbon expressions, Smoked Maple emphasizes the interaction between the whiskey base and its added flavoring.

The finished whiskey is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), providing a substantial bourbon presence while allowing the maple and smoke characteristics to remain prominent.

Appearance

Deep amber with warm copper and golden-brown highlights, reflecting the bourbon base and rich maple character.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Inviting aromas of sweet maple syrup, caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, accompanied by subtle smoke and hints of brown sugar.

Palate: Rich and smooth with layers of maple sweetness, caramel, vanilla, toasted wood, and gentle smoke. The bourbon base provides warmth and structure, balancing the sweeter maple characteristics.

Finish: Warm and lingering with notes of maple, caramel, toasted oak, and subtle smoky sweetness, leaving a rich and satisfying impression.

What Makes It Special

The defining characteristic of Knob Creek Smoked Maple Flavored Bourbon Whiskey is its combination of traditional Kentucky bourbon character with the distinctive flavors of smoked maple.

While standard bourbon develops much of its sweetness naturally through grain selection and oak maturation, Smoked Maple introduces an additional layer of maple flavor.

This creates a sweeter whiskey profile while maintaining recognizable bourbon characteristics such as caramel, vanilla, oak, and warming spice.

The smoky component provides another important distinction.

Rather than relying exclusively on sweetness, the expression incorporates a smoky character that complements the maple and helps create a more layered flavor experience.

Another notable feature is its 90-proof bottling strength.

At 45% ABV, Knob Creek Smoked Maple is bottled at a higher strength than many flavored whiskey products, helping preserve a pronounced whiskey character alongside the added flavors.

The expression also reflects Knob Creek's broader identity as a producer of robust, full-flavored American whiskey.

Known for its traditional Kentucky bourbon and rye expressions, Knob Creek applies its whiskey-making heritage to a flavored release that offers a different experience from its classic portfolio.

For bourbon enthusiasts who enjoy maple, caramel, and smoky flavors, Knob Creek Smoked Maple provides a distinctive alternative to traditional unflavored bourbon.

How to Enjoy

Knob Creek Smoked Maple Flavored Bourbon Whiskey can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or in whiskey cocktails that complement its maple sweetness and smoky character.

Serving it neat allows the maple, caramel, vanilla, and toasted-oak characteristics to remain prominent.

A large ice cube gradually softens the whiskey and can help balance its sweetness with the warmth of the bourbon base.

Its flavor profile also makes it suitable for creative variations of classic bourbon cocktails.

Knob Creek Smoked Maple works particularly well in a Maple Old Fashioned, where its existing maple flavor can reduce the need for additional sweetener.

It can also be enjoyed in a Whiskey Sour, Bourbon Highball, or a simple whiskey-and-ginger-ale combination.

For a dessert-style presentation, the whiskey can be served over ice alongside flavors such as dark chocolate, toasted pecans, or maple-based desserts.

Its balance of sweetness, oak, and smoke makes it a versatile option for those who prefer flavored whiskey with a recognizable bourbon foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the alcohol content of Knob Creek Smoked Maple?

Knob Creek Smoked Maple Flavored Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof).

What is Knob Creek Smoked Maple?

Knob Creek Smoked Maple is a flavored bourbon whiskey that combines Kentucky bourbon with smoked maple flavor.

Where is Knob Creek Smoked Maple made?

Knob Creek is produced by the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, USA.

What does Knob Creek Smoked Maple taste like?

Knob Creek Smoked Maple offers a rich combination of maple syrup, caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, brown sugar, and gentle smoke, with a warming whiskey finish.

Is Knob Creek Smoked Maple sweet?

Yes. The expression has a sweeter profile than traditional unflavored bourbon because of its maple flavoring.

However, the bourbon base contributes oak, vanilla, and warming whiskey characteristics that provide additional depth.

Is Knob Creek Smoked Maple smoky?

Yes. The whiskey features a smoked maple flavor profile, combining maple sweetness with subtle smoky characteristics.

Is Knob Creek Smoked Maple a straight bourbon?

No. Although it is made with bourbon whiskey, Knob Creek Smoked Maple is sold as a flavored bourbon whiskey because flavoring is added.

Traditional straight bourbon cannot contain added flavoring.

What is the difference between Knob Creek Smoked Maple and Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon?

Knob Creek Smoked Maple is a flavored bourbon whiskey bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), emphasizing maple sweetness and smoky character.

Knob Creek 9 Year Small Batch Bourbon is an unflavored Kentucky straight bourbon aged for a minimum of nine years and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).

The 9 Year expression emphasizes traditional bourbon flavors, while Smoked Maple offers a sweeter, flavored whiskey experience.

How long is Knob Creek Smoked Maple aged?

Knob Creek Smoked Maple uses an oak-aged bourbon whiskey base, but the finished flavored expression does not carry a specific age statement.

Is Knob Creek Smoked Maple good for sipping?

Yes. Its combination of maple sweetness, caramel, vanilla, and gentle smoke makes it suitable for enjoying neat or over ice.

Is Knob Creek Smoked Maple good for cocktails?

Yes. Its maple flavor works particularly well in a Maple Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Bourbon Highball.

Is Knob Creek Smoked Maple considered high proof?

At 90 proof (45% ABV), Knob Creek Smoked Maple has a substantial bottling strength for a flavored whiskey, although it is lower in proof than several traditional Knob Creek bourbon expressions.

What size bottle is this?

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of Knob Creek Smoked Maple Flavored Bourbon Whiskey.

Pricing & Availability

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of Knob Creek Smoked Maple Flavored Bourbon Whiskey, combining Kentucky bourbon with smoked maple flavor and bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV). Available now while supplies last.

Brand Story

Knob Creek is one of the most recognized names in American bourbon, produced by the James B. Beam Distilling Co., a distillery with generations of Kentucky whiskey-making heritage.

The brand was introduced in 1992 as part of the small-batch bourbon movement, helping renew interest in richly flavored, traditionally produced American whiskey.

Knob Creek was developed under the leadership of legendary Master Distiller Booker Noe, a sixth-generation member of the Beam distilling family.

Booker Noe believed bourbon should retain the depth, richness, and substantial character associated with traditional Kentucky whiskey.

That philosophy became central to Knob Creek's identity.

The brand's flagship bourbon established its reputation through extended maturation, bold flavor, and a higher bottling strength.

Over time, Knob Creek expanded its portfolio to include additional aged bourbons, rye whiskey, single-barrel selections, and flavored expressions.

Today, Knob Creek remains closely associated with the Beam family's distilling legacy, including Fred Noe and Freddie Noe, who continue the family's involvement in American whiskey production.

Knob Creek Smoked Maple Flavored Bourbon Whiskey represents a different side of the brand's portfolio, combining traditional bourbon character with a distinctive sweet and smoky flavor profile.

Rather than emphasizing only the oak and spice characteristics of classic Kentucky bourbon, Smoked Maple introduces maple sweetness and subtle smoke to create a richer flavored whiskey experience.

Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), Knob Creek Smoked Maple Flavored Bourbon Whiskey delivers maple syrup, caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and gentle smoke in a distinctive expression of Kentucky whiskey craftsmanship.