San Francisco bourbon lovers, get ready: the iconic Knob Creek® just launched its most powerful release yet—Single Barrel Select Cask Strength—and it’s rewriting the rules of barrel-aged whiskey in the Bay Area.
A New Standard for Bold Bourbon in San Francisco
San Francisco’s whiskey scene is no stranger to innovation—but now, it’s about to meet tradition in its rawest form. Knob Creek® has officially rolled out its Single Barrel Select Cask Strength release across the U.S., and bourbon aficionados in San Francisco are already hunting down bottles. This is bourbon in its purest form—uncut, unfiltered, and straight from the barrel, boasting bold character and serious proof. With cask-strength expressions typically hitting 110–130, this is not your average pour—it’s a whiskey experience for true enthusiasts. Whether you’re sipping in SoMa, shopping in Noe Valley, or unwinding in Oakland, Knob Creek just delivered the boldest bourbon San Francisco has tasted yet.
“No Shortcuts” Whiskey, Built for the Bay
Knob Creek’s latest release doesn’t just carry a punch—it carries a legacy.
“WHEN MY GRANDFATHER CREATED KNOB CREEK, HE SET OUT TO MAKE A WHISKEY THAT STOOD OUT—BOLD, ROBUST, AND NO SHORTCUTS,”
says Freddie Noe, eighth-generation Master Distiller.“WITH OUR SINGLE BARREL SELECT PROGRAM, WE PAY TRIBUTE TO THAT LEGACY BY OFFERING FANS THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE KNOB CREEK IN ITS MOST AUTHENTIC FORM.”
That authenticity is precisely what sets Knob Creek apart in a market crowded with overpolished bottles. This isn’t a spirit that was “finished” in wine casks or flavored for the Instagram crowd. This is whiskey the way it was made generations ago—bold, deliberate, and deeply American.
What Makes Cask Strength Special?
The term “cask strength” might sound like marketing, but for whiskey lovers, it’s sacred. It means nothing is added—not even water. The bourbon goes from the barrel to the bottle exactly as it matured, giving each barrel its own unique personality.
Expect to find rich layers of oak, toasted vanilla, baking spices, and that signature Knob Creek bite—amplified. It’s an experience designed for purists who want to taste bourbon as nature (and Kentucky) intended.
Every bottle of Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength is distinct. Whether you’re buying from a Castro cocktail bar or a Mission District retailer, the bottle you take home reflects the hand-selected barrel chosen for your location.
A Taste of Kentucky, Without Leaving California
One of the most impressive aspects of the Single Barrel Select program is its connection to the distillery experience. Traditionally, buyers visit the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, to select their custom barrel—tasting straight from the source and dining at the on-site restaurant, The Kitchen Table.
But even if you’re 4,000 miles west in San Francisco, you’re not left out. Knob Creek now offers remote barrel selection kits, so local retailers and whiskey clubs can participate in the experience from right here in the Bay Area.
That means your local bottle shop in the Richmond or Marina District could be pouring bourbon that was personally selected from a single Kentucky barrel—without ever leaving California.
Where to Find Knob Creek Cask Strength in San Francisco
Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength is now hitting shelves in select San Francisco retailers and whiskey-forward bars. The release is also gaining traction among whiskey clubs, private collectors, and upscale restaurants that want to offer something special behind the bar.
With a suggested retail price of $69.99 for 750mL, it’s a rare value in a category where boutique releases often push triple digits. But don’t expect these bottles to linger—each one reflects a unique barrel, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Join the Private Barrel Club
For serious whiskey lovers who want more than just a bottle, there’s Knob Creek’s Private Barrel Club. This program lets members taste and select their own barrel, either in person at the Beam distillery or remotely. For bar owners, collectors, or bourbon-curious enthusiasts, it’s an opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind batch of American whiskey.
You can find more info and apply for membership at beamdistilling.com/private-barrel-club.
Final Pour: Bay Area, Meet Your New Favorite Bourbon
Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength isn’t just a new product—it’s a declaration. It says bourbon doesn’t need gimmicks. It just needs time, barrels, and a refusal to compromise.
San Francisco whiskey fans, this is your moment. Whether you’re a collector, a casual sipper, or a bourbon newcomer, this bold new Knob Creek release deserves a spot on your shelf—and in your glass.
