Knob Creek The Old Fashioned Beefsteak Dinner
An evening of bold pours, unforgettable flavors, and bourbon done right
There are dinners—and then there are experiences. On April 9th, James B. Beam Distilling Co. hosted Knob Creek The Old Fashioned Beefsteak Dinner. This dinner was the latter.
From the moment you arrive on campus, there’s a shift. The kind where time slows down just enough to take it all in—the warm glow of the room, the hum of conversation, and the unmistakable presence of good bourbon being poured.
This wasn’t just a meal with strangers. It was a celebration of Knob Creek—bold, full-bodied, and unapologetically rich.
Beefsteak dinners are rooted in tradition, and this one leaned all the way in, in the best way. Think generous portions, no plates, no napkins, and a table that fills quickly with dishes meant to be passed around.
Each course was paired with a Knob Creek cocktail, bringing out deep notes of oak, caramel, and spice.
The dinner opened with couloette sliders and beef carpaccio, paired with Knob Creek Clermont Trilogy. And it set the tone immediately.
The sliders were rich and savory, while the carpaccio brought a lighter, more delicate contrast. Together, they balanced each other in a way that felt intentional, not overwhelming.
Paired with the Clermont Trilogy, the flavors deepened—pulling forward warm notes of oak, caramel, and spice that complemented the beef without overpowering it.
The second course leaned fully into bold, classic flavors with 3D Valley Farms ribeye and strip steak, beef tallow fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, mushrooms, and Parker house rolls paired with Knob Creek No Whiskey Without Corn.
This was the kind of course that didn’t hold back. The ribeye brought richness and depth, while the strip offered a slightly firmer, more structured bite, but each cut showcased something a little different, but equally satisfying.
The cocktail pairing elevated it all. No Whiskey Without Corn carried a subtle sweetness and warmth that complemented the natural flavor of the beef, rounding out each bite without competing with it.
It was hearty, intentional, and exactly what you want in the middle of a meal like this: grounding, memorable, and undeniably good.
I asked Erica Durrett (@louisvillefoodlife) of her experience so far after the second course, and after the bone marrow luge:
“I mean, it’s very interesting. I didn’t know what to expect so it’s fun and it’s a different way to eat! It’s fun and stepping out of your comfort zone.”
The evening closed on a sweeter note with chocolate cake, paired with Knob Creek Marcos Family Tree, and it was the perfect ending.
Rich, decadent, and just indulgent enough, the chocolate cake brought deep cocoa flavors that lingered with every bite. Paired with the Marcos Family Tree cocktail, those notes were elevated by layers of warmth, subtle sweetness, and a hint of spice.
It was one of those pairings that didn’t just work, but it stayed with you. After a night of bold pours and hearty courses, this felt like a quiet exhale—the kind you sit with for a moment before the night ends.
The night ended with a Knob Creek Devil’s Right Hand-a cocktail that felt like the perfect final note.
Bold yet smooth, it carried just enough sweetness to round out the evening while letting the signature Knob Creek depth shine through. There was a warmth to it, a quiet intensity that didn’t compete for attention, it simply lingered.
Lee Caldwell (@yourbeverageguy), Director of Beverage of QED Hospitality (The Kitchen Table) said this about his experience of serving these fantastic cocktails at the Beefsteak Dinner:
“We’re doing four versions of one cocktail and while it puts constraints on the creative, those constraints forces my team to find new ways to layer flavors in each of the four drinks. The beefsteak format is a fun, a rambunctious, free for all that deviates from the more formal structure that we do with our [Clermont] supper clubs or other evening events.”
After a progression of thoughtfully paired courses, this final pour tied everything together. Not rushed, not overly complex; just intentional, balanced, and memorable.
The kind of evening you sit with for a moment… before heading out into the night.
Cheers.
See below for pictures of the night:
