# Athlete-Curated Bourbon Series Knob Creek Debuts Eli Manning's Bold Pick: 2026 Batch By Kalin Ned | Published 2026-01-15 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eli-manning References: [kentucky](https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/bourbon/article314319225.html) Knob Creek, a brand within the James B. Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection, has introduced a limited-release product — [Knob Creek®](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bold-picks-campaign) Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, Eli Manning's Bold Pick: 2026 Batch. The single-barrel selection offering is an extension of the brand's Single Barrel Select series. The Knob Creek® Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon is presented at its original, undiluted cask strength. Bottled straight from the barrel, the spirit was personally chosen by former professional football quarterback Eli Manning at the [James B. Beam Distilling Co.](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hardins-creek-whiskeys) in Clermont, KY. The bourbon is characterized by a high proof point that varies by barrel, between 112.2 and 121.6. The cask-strength expression is not subjected to filtration or dilution, and features a flavor profile designed to emphasize robust characteristics like vanilla, oak, and spice. Image Credit: Knob Creek ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 46% | Freshness: 59% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Celebrity-endorsed Spirits:** Celebrities partnering with distilleries to create unique spirit offerings present a chance to blend star power with craftsmanship. - **Cask-strength Beverages:** The rising interest in undiluted, full-flavor spirits such as cask-strength bourbon highlights a shift towards premium, unfiltered taste experiences. - **Customized Flavor Profiles:** The demand for spirits boasting tailor-made flavor profiles showcases the potential for brands to cater to niche taste preferences. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Beverage Manufacturing:** Innovations in high-proof spirits production are transforming traditional beverage offerings to meet new consumer desires for robust flavors. - **Celebrity Branding:** With celebrities venturing into product curation, their influence opens doors for new branding strategies that combine lifestyle with product appeal. - **Alcohol Retail:** Retail strategies focused on limited releases and specialty products are becoming crucial as consumers gravitate towards exclusive, collector editions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Distinguishably Aged Bourbons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knob-creek-21-year-old.md) - [Limited-Production Bourbon Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limitedproduction-bourbon.md) - [Ultra-Luxurious Bourbon Expressions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rolling-fork-spirits.md) - [Aged Bourbon Tiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wilderness-trail.md) - [Highly Anticipated Bourbon Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rebel-bourbon.md) - [French Brandy-Inspired Bourbons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barrell-craft-spirits.md) - [Double-Distilled Bourbon Expressions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-classic-six.md) - [Maturation Environment-Exploring Bourbons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/warehouse-series.md) - [NBA Athlete-Approved Bourbons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dominique-wilkins.md)