In the realm of premium bourbon, one name stands tall, embodying both history and excellence: King of Kentucky. Brown-Forman, the renowned beverage conglomerate behind iconic brands such as Jack Daniel's, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve, has once again unleashed this coveted spirit upon the world. As it reaches its sixth annual release in 2023, the King of Kentucky bourbon exudes a sense of heritage and sophistication that is nothing short of remarkable.
The 2023 edition of King of Kentucky unveils itself as a 16-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, a true testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of American whiskey. With just 3,800 bottles available for purchase and a suggested retail price of $299.99, this offering is a limited treasure for those fortunate enough to secure a coveted bottle. The bottle itself is a masterpiece, featuring a premium embossed label adorned with a stamp border and intricate details that echo the brand's storied legacy.
Since its inception in 1881, King of Kentucky has undergone a captivating journey. Originally crafted as a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, it became part of the Brown-Forman family in 1936, marking the beginning of a legacy intertwined with innovation and tradition. In 1940, the brand underwent a transformation, evolving into a blended whiskey, only to be eventually discontinued in 1968. Yet, the spirit's allure was too irresistible to remain dormant, prompting Brown-Forman to rekindle the King of Kentucky label in 2018, honoring its rich heritage and promising a bright future.
Each year, King of Kentucky graces enthusiasts with a single-barrel offering that retains its authenticity at barrel strength, minimally filtered to preserve the essence of the spirit. The 2023 release is a masterpiece curated by Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris, who selected a single lot of barrels from the legendary year 2007. This exquisite selection boasts a robust 125.8 proof, a testament to the brand's commitment to showcasing the unparalleled influence that each barrel imparts on the final product.
As you gaze upon the ornate bottle, you'll find the story of this bourbon's origin narrated in exquisite detail, both on the front and back of the package. Each bottle is meticulously filled, bottled, and wax-dipped by hand, with essential information such as proof, age, warehouse location, lot number, serial number, and barrel number adorning its exterior.
The official tasting notes for this "Representative Barrel" are a symphony of flavors and aromas that will enchant any bourbon aficionado. With a proof of 125.8 and an age of 16 years, this bourbon boasts an enticing aroma characterized by dark graham cracker, vanilla, and charred oak notes, artfully sweetened with hints of port, cognac, and milk chocolate-coated coconut. The palate dances with the rich flavors of dark chocolate mocha, accompanied by subtle traces of black tea and leathery tannins.
To appreciate the finesse and complexity of King of Kentucky, one must recognize that it is distilled and aged at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively, a place where the craft of whiskey-making is a storied tradition. As Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris attests, the 2023 release originates from 51 barrels, all aged in Warehouse G at the Brown-Forman Distillery. This unique aging process showcases the profound influence of time and wood on the whiskey's color, flavor, and aroma, resulting in an extraordinary spirit that captivates the senses.
Though there is no fixed annual volume for King of Kentucky due to the meticulous barrel selection process, the 2023 release is anticipated to comprise approximately 3,800 bottles. While the suggested retail price stands at $299.99, collectors and enthusiasts are often willing to pay a premium for such a distinguished bourbon. Indeed, previous releases have been known to fetch exorbitant prices in the secondary market, a testament to the brand's desirability and exclusivity.
In a world brimming with remarkable bourbons, King of Kentucky reigns supreme as a distinguished, rare treasure. This sixth edition, rooted in history and refined by time, is a testament to Brown-Forman's unwavering commitment to the art of American whiskey. As you savor each sip, you embark on a journey through time and tradition, experiencing the legacy of a brand that has been resurrected to offer connoisseurs a taste of bourbon royalty.
About The King of Kentucky
The King of Kentucky is a premium bourbon whiskey brand with a rich history that dates back to the pre-Prohibition era. Produced in Kentucky, USA, it was originally created in the late 1800s and has been recently revived to capture the essence of classic, high-proof Kentucky straight bourbon. The brand's name is a nod to the historic stature of Kentucky bourbon in the world of whiskey.
The King of Kentucky is known for its dedication to preserving the traditional methods and flavor profiles of bourbon from the past. It is a single barrel, cask-strength bourbon, meaning it is bottled directly from the barrel without dilution, resulting in a high proof and robust flavor. The brand is celebrated for its bold and complex taste, characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
One of the defining features of The King of Kentucky is its limited production. Each release is carefully selected from a single barrel, which means that every batch is unique in flavor and character. This approach allows the brand to maintain the highest quality standards and offer a level of exclusivity that appeals to collectors and bourbon enthusiasts.
The King of Kentucky bourbon is released in small quantities and is sought after by connoisseurs and collectors who appreciate its commitment to preserving the heritage and tradition of Kentucky bourbon. The brand's revival represents a bridge between the past and present, offering a taste of the classic bourbon style that has made Kentucky famous among whiskey aficionados.
