A camouflage bottle is one way to get a bourbon fan’s attention. But Knob Creek’s Trailmaster Edition has something a little more practical going for it: it’s the familiar 9 Year bourbon in a smaller, 375 mL bottle.
That makes it an interesting option if you’re heading out for a weekend, looking for a small gift, or just don’t need another full-size bottle taking up space on the bar. And, of course, the camouflage packaging gives it a little personality.
The bourbon itself should be familiar to Knob Creek fans. Trailmaster carries the 9 Year age statement and 100-proof strength of the standard expression. The distillery doesn’t advertise a new mash bill, special barrel finish, or different blend for this release. In other words, don’t expect a new whiskey experience. You’re getting the Knob Creek you already know, just dressed for the outdoors.
The Half-Bottle Math Is Interesting
Here’s where things get a little more interesting.
North Carolina’s state spirits listings provide a handy price comparison. The Trailmaster Edition is listed at $21.95 for 375 mL, while the standard 375 mL Knob Creek is $23.95. That’s a two-dollar savings for the same amount of bourbon.
But before you head out looking for the camo bottle, there’s another number worth considering.
Buying two Trailmaster bottles would cost $43.90 for the equivalent of 750 mL. The standard 750 mL Knob Creek, meanwhile, is listed at $39.95 in North Carolina. That makes the regular full-size bottle about 9% cheaper per ounce.
So, yes, Trailmaster costs less upfront than the standard small bottle, but the regular 750 mL bottle is still the better deal if you’re looking at how much bourbon you’re getting for your money.
Of course, state pricing and availability vary, so these numbers won’t necessarily match what you’ll find at your local store.
The smaller bottle does have its advantages. At 100 proof, it’s the kind of bourbon that should hold up in an Old Fashioned without getting lost behind the bitters and ice. And 375 mL gives you roughly six 2-ounce pours, which is a pretty reasonable amount to bring along for a weekend away.
We haven’t tasted this particular release, so we’re not going to pretend there’s some new flavor discovery hiding inside the camouflage. Based on the brand’s description, you’re getting the familiar oak-and-sweet character associated with Knob Creek 9 Year.
What You Need to Know
- Bourbon: Knob Creek 9 Year Kentucky straight bourbon
- Proof: 100
- Bottle size: 375 mL
- Packaging: Seasonal camouflage-label Trailmaster Edition
- North Carolina listed price: $21.95
A Fun Package, But the Full Bottle Still Wins
There’s nothing wrong with giving a familiar bourbon a different look, especially when the smaller bottle makes it easier to take along on a trip or give as a gift.
The Trailmaster Edition isn’t a new Knob Creek expression, and it isn’t the best value if you’re stocking your home bar. But that’s not really the point. It’s a convenient little package of a bourbon people already know, with a camouflage makeover that makes it stand out on the shelf.
If you’re planning to keep it around for a while, I’d stick with the regular 750 mL bottle. But if you like the packaging or want something smaller to take along for the weekend, Trailmaster makes a pretty good case for itself.
Sources: Knob Creek Trailmaster product page; Beam Distilling on Knob Creek 9 Year; North Carolina Trailmaster listing; North Carolina standard 375 mL listing; North Carolina standard 750 mL listing. See also our Knob Creek 12 Year Cask Strength coverage.