In this Monday deeper-dive review, I’m taking a look at the new Knob Creek Blender’s Edition No. 1 and, like always, I pour it, nose it, and taste it—without over-talking it. This one is a 10-year, 106 proof “sweet bourbon blend,” and in my market (Phoenix, AZ) it was right around $43–$45 for a 750ml. The big focus of the video is how it stacks up against Knob Creek 9, because on paper they’re close, but in the glass they’re not the same experience. On the nose and palate, Blender’s Edition No. 1 is sweet first—big vanilla up front—with buttery, silky texture, some oak underneath the tongue, and a little pepper spice on the back end. I also get a light Jim Beam-style dusty/nutty note, but it’s not the star of the show. Compared to that, Knob Creek 9 comes across more muted, spicier, less sweet, and less dynamic, with a shorter finish. I did experiment with a couple drops of water, and it turned into a butterscotch bomb on the nose, but the sip lost some sweetness, vanilla, and mouthfeel—so personally, I’d drink this one neat. Bottom line: for the age, proof, and price, I scored Blender’s Edition No. 1 at 4/5, and Knob Creek 9 at 3.95/5. If you see Blender’s Edition No. 1, I think it’s an easy buy.