The whiskey wash logo
The World's Most-Visited
Whiskey Website
The World's Most-Visited
Whiskey Website

Trending Stories

Search
Bourbon

Whiskey Review: King of Kentucky 14-Year-Old (Barrel 7)

We review the 2021 release of King of Kentucky, a sought-after annual special release from Brown-Forman. This year's is 14 years old.

OVERALL RATING

9
$249.99
  • Courtney Kristjana is a leading US whiskey taster and aspiring Master of Scotch.
Like Conversation
King of Kentucky bourbon 2021

Tasting Notes

About:

65%ABV, 130 proof. Kentucky straight bourbon aged for 14 years. Limited to 2,700 bottles available in KY, OH, and IL. 750ml $249.99.
Appearance:
Deep amber with glints of mahogany.
Nose:
Cedar comes through first, but then the nose is immediately hit with ripe green apple and pear. The whiskey is nutty with roasted hazelnuts, and at the same time has a salty, buttery aspect like caramel corn. Clove, peppercorn, and tobacco mingle with a faint bit of leather near the end.
Palate:
The spice from the back end of the nose is upfront on the palate. Sweet caramel, almost butterscotch, mingles with salted butter. The mouthfeel is oily but dry with wood and grass on the tongue. There’s a bit of a medicinal finish to it like cough syrup, and a bitter taste in the background, but it’s not distracting or overwhelming. Overall, the whiskey reminds me of a caramel apple dusted with baking spices.
Finish:
Comments:
The King of Kentucky is one of those sought-out rare bourbons. Finding a bourbon aged in the double digits that isn’t overpowered by oak is difficult but not impossible. The King of Kentucky is a complex and delightful bourbon. Those lucky enough to find a bottle will not be disappointed by this year’s release as long as you enjoy a good caramel apple. It’s definitely a fall or winter bourbon.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Courtney Kristjana

Courtney Kristjana is a leading whiskey taster in the United States. Inspired by an article on Heather Greene, she left her career in Gerontology to pursue her passion for whiskey. Currently studying to become a Master of Scotch, Courtney dreams of one day being nominated for the Keepers of the Quaich. Her reviews may be as strong as the peat in her scotch, but she guarantees honesty, integrity, and an open mind.

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash

Ardbeg Wee Beastie Review

June 8, 2026

Can a 5-year-old Scotch really deliver the bold peat smoke Ardbeg is famous for? Find out how Wee Beastie punches above its age in our full review.

The whiskey wash logo