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King of Kentucky is returning this summer with the release of its second edition/expression, reaching shelves in early July. Available in limited quantities in Kentucky, the 15 year old Kentucky bourbon had a run of roughly 2,000 bottles, with a suggested retail of $249.99.
King of Kentucky was established in 1881 as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Brown-Forman acquired the brand in 1936 from Selected Kentucky Distillers and, by 1940, converted it to a blended whiskey until it was discontinued in 1968. In 2018, Brown-Forman revived the lapsed label paying homage to the brand’s past.
“Given Brown-Forman’s 148 year history of crafting great Kentucky Bourbon, it is a memorable event to bring back to life a long retired brand and to introduce it to a new generation of aficionados,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris. “King of Kentucky will provide whiskey connoisseurs with a rare look into Brown-Forman’s rich barrel archives.”
King of Kentucky is an annual/on-going periodic release of a single barrel inventory featuring a barrel-strength, minimally-filtered proof presentation, with each release and every barrel being unique.
“As we sample and taste our barrels in inventory, the selection is made based on flavor profile development,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris. “Some barrels take longer than others to reach their peak of perfection. This year we have selected barrels from two different production dates, both 15 years of age.”
Due to the rarity of these barrels, there will be no defined annual volume. Just like the extra time it takes for the liquid to age, the package will also show a personal craftsmanship. Every bottle will tell the story of its origin through the details on the front and back of its package. All will be filled, bottled, wax-dipped, and numbered by hand with details including proof, age, warehouse location, lot number, serial number, and barrel number, all selected by Master Distiller Chris Morris.
