As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, one of Kentucky’s most recognizable bourbon brands is making history of its own.
James B. Beam Distilling Co. has announced the release of Knob Creek 9 Year Old: Independence Edition, a limited-edition bottling that marks the first time in the brand’s history that its iconic wax seal has changed color. Instead of the traditional black wax, the commemorative release features a striking blue wax seal paired with a patriotic red, white, and blue label honoring the nation’s semiquincentennial.
The special release joins a broader collection of commemorative expressions from the Beam family of brands, including Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, all created to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th birthday.
While the packaging may be new, Knob Creek fans will find the same award-winning bourbon inside the bottle. The Independence Edition contains Knob Creek’s flagship 9-year-old bourbon, aged in American white oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof. The bourbon delivers the familiar flavor profile that has made it a favorite among enthusiasts, featuring notes of smooth vanilla, rich caramel, and bold charred oak.
Knob Creek’s story is deeply rooted in American bourbon history. Launched in 1992, the brand was named after the creek that ran through Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home in Kentucky. It was created by legendary sixth-generation Master Distiller Booker Noe as part of his effort to revive the robust, full-flavored bourbons that existed before Prohibition.
Today, that legacy continues under the guidance of seventh-generation Master Distiller Fred Noe and eighth-generation distiller Freddie Noe, making the Independence Edition a celebration not only of America’s 250 years but also of James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s remarkable 230-year legacy of whiskey making.
The limited-edition release is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $36.99 while supplies last.
For bourbon collectors and Knob Creek loyalists alike, the Independence Edition offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history—complete with a patriotic new look that may never be repeated.
