Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Brown-Forman. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
The King is back, and no, I am not speaking about Elvis. 2021 marks the fourth iteration of The King of Kentucky. This particular brand began its start in 1881 as Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. A little over half a century later, Brown-Forman acquired the rights to the name and brand from Selected Kentucky Distillers. By 1940, the brand was converted into a blended whiskey and eventually discontinued in 1968.
Master Distiller Chris Morris set aside 33 barrels for this year’s release. Fans of Early Times will appreciate The King of Kentucky as its mash bill of 79% corn, 11% rye, and 19% malted barley is the same. The amber liquid comes from two productions days just 12 days apart. This year’s bottling comes in at 14-years-old.
While The King of Kentucky was once blended, the relaunch of the brand has maintained single barrel expressions. The King of Kentucky is a representation of older bourbon. The 2,700 bottles produced from the 33 barrels can be found in just three states— Kentucky, Ohio, and Illinois. Because it is cask strength and single barrel, you can expect the different barrels to range from 125 to 135 proof.
Personally, I liked the fourth release of The King of Kentucky. I am not the only one, so you don’t have to just take my word for it. My good friend, Sara Havens, aka The Bar Belle, says “Bottom line, the King is worth the hunt. This is the bourbon legends are made of.”
Tasting Notes: King of Kentucky 14-Year-Old (Barrel 7)
Vital Stats: 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.
Trending Stories
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.
Latest News