King Of Kentucky Bourbon Returns To Kentucky For 2019

The King of Kentucky brand is a storied label of sorts in Kentucky’s long whiskey making history. Originally established in 1881, it went for some years before being acquired by Brown-Forman in 1936. It fell by the way side in the late 1960s, but Brown-Forman dusted it off last year as a Kentucky only release that was 14 years old and around $200 a bottle. It went fast, and now for 2019 it is back again and also one year older.

King of Kentucky Bourbon, Second Edition, according to those behind it, is a 15 year old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that will see approximately 2,000 bottles being released in its namesake state only for a price point of around $250 per 750 ml bottle (note the $50 price increase from last year – Brown-Forman obviously thinks the market will support this bump and, based upon last year’s sales, they are likely right). The American whiskey company is describing this offering, now that it is a more regular thing, as 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 Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris in a prepared statement. “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.”

It is said that “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.” For the 2019 bourbon more specific details are listed below, including official tasting notes, based upon information provided to us by Brown-Forman:

• Proof: 131.3
• Age: 15 years
• Lot#: 04E14 Warehouse O Floor 1, Rick 104
• Color: Bright Sorghum
• Aroma: Rich notes of dark honeycomb, caramel, marzipan and toasted coconut are enhanced with hints of toasted hazelnut, vanilla and dried apricot fruit. All are brightened with resinous oak, cinnamon and clove spice character.
• Flavor: Creamy honeycomb and creme brulee caramel coat a rich oak backbone that dance with hints of ripe melon, dry apple peel and cardamon spice.
• Finish: Long and warm with an apple peel dryness.