Join us for a detailed whiskey review of the Knob Creek Blender's Edition No. 1, a fantastic new limited release. We'll be doing a full bourbon review and whiskey tasting, sharing our thoughts on this impressive bottle. This review is a must-watch for any bourbon lover looking for their next favorite pour.

Knob Creek Blender’s Edition No. 1 + Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Belicoso
What’s up, folks—Brent here with another solid pairing from the show. Tonight I sat down with the Knob Creek Blender’s Edition No. 1 and paired it with a classic Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Belicoso. This is one of those easy, no-fuss combinations that just works—nothing too crazy, but everything clicks.

Here are the specifics on each:
Knob Creek Blender’s Edition No. 1
Age: Minimum 10 years
Proof: 106 (53% ABV)
Price: Suggested retail ~$44.99 for 750ml bottle
Nose: Rich confectionery sweetness with prominent vanilla bean, toasted marshmallow, caramelized brown sugar, warm oak, subtle almond and caramel swirl

Palate: Full mouthfeel with butterscotch, maple syrup, baking spices (cinnamon/nutmeg), subtle nuttiness (almond/roasted peanut), gentle char, layered vanilla and toffee

Finish: Long, soft, velvety with lingering sweetness, dark caramel, and toasted oak

Overall Style: Sweeter, smoother take on the Knob Creek profile—dessert-leaning yet balanced with oak backbone

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Belicoso
Size: 5 3/8" x 52 (Belicoso)
Wrapper: African Cameroon
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic (aged, including 10-year-old select tobaccos from Chateau Fuente)
Origin: Dominican Republic
Strength: Medium to medium-full
Price: ~$12–$16 per stick (varies by retailer)

Nose (pre-light aroma off the wrapper and foot): Sweet cedar, roasted nuts, toasty warm bread, subtle cocoa, wood, and a touch of baking spice

Cold Draw: Wood/cedar, hint of cocoa sweetness, spark of spice, with subtle sweet tobacco and vanilla undertones

Tasting Notes: Sweet cedar and oak up front, roasted nuts (chestnut/almond), espresso/coffee, leather, subtle cocoa and earth; smooth with a clean woody finish and creamy smoke

Construction: Excellent burn, thick creamy smoke, flawless as expected from Fuente

The Pairing Experience
This combo is money. The bourbon’s big vanilla and caramel sweetness plays perfectly off the cigar’s cedar and nutty backbone. Every time I took a sip after a puff, the Don Carlos’ espresso and roasted chestnut notes deepened the bourbon’s brown sugar and toasted oak without overpowering the softer confectionery side. The baking spices in both really sang together—cinnamon and nutmeg from the cigar echoing the bourbon’s gentle spice.

The 106 proof heat cuts through the cigar’s creaminess just enough to keep things lively, while the cigar’s natural sweetness (that Cameroon wrapper magic) rounds out any sharper edges in the whiskey. Toward the final third, the Don Carlos picks up a touch of dark fruit and leather that makes the bourbon’s maraschino cherry and citrus hints pop even more. No muddling, no clash—just a smooth, harmonious ride from start to nub.

Smoke time on the Belicoso was right around 50–60 minutes, perfect for a relaxed evening pour.
We are excited to share a detailed whiskey review of the Knob Creek Blender's Edition No. 1, a truly limited edition release. Join us for an in-depth bourbon review and whiskey tasting as we explore its unique profile. This bourbon offers incredible value and is a must-try for any whiskey enthusiast.
Score: 93/100


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