For loyal Knob Creek fans, the drought — and the wait — are finally over. After running out this summer, the next batch of fully aged Knob Creek Bourbon has been released from the barrels where it has matured for nine years, now ready to bottle and soon ship to establishments and retailers across the US. Bill Newlands, president, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, U.S. and Fred Noe, the seventh-generation Beam family distiller, officially restarted production at the distillery, presiding over the opening of the first mature, four-char barrel dating to 2000. (In Bourbon speak, an occasion known as barrel dumping.)

The nation’s number one selling Super-Premium Bourbon ran short this summer, due to high consumer demand and an unwavering commitment to the full, nine-year aging process that gives Knob Creek its rich, distinct character. Rather than rush production, Knob Creek stayed true to the ideals and standards of its originator, the late Booker Noe — Fred Noe’s father, and grandson of Jim Beam – and let this batch, barreled in 2000, reach its full potential.

“We want to thank Knob Creek fans everywhere for their patience and understanding these past months, and promise it was worth their wait,” said Newlands. “Accelerating production and compromising quality, by a few weeks, even days, was never an option we considered. Knob Creek fans have been in touch, many thanking us for doing things the right way. It is very gratifying, and validating.”

“Dad would have been proud today, seeing his vision for Bourbon’s discovery by a new, sophisticated generation come to fruition,” said Noe. “That was his wish in creating a richer, longer aged Bourbon like Knob Creek, and with it, the entire Super-Premium Bourbon category that’s growing so rapidly. Increased demand wound up outpacing our own very solid 2000 forecasts, and created the shortage that’s on the road to ending today.”

(For part one of this story read this post.)