Brown-Forman has revived a historic brand called Kentucky Boy to mark 50 years of service by Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris. The limited, one-time release debuts on September 10 at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Kentucky Boy was crafted by Woodford Reserve master distiller Elizabeth McCall and Old Forester assistant master distiller Caleb Trigo in honor of their mentor.
The pair drew inspiration from whiskies Morris developed during his career. These include Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, King of Kentucky, and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.
Quick whisky question
Single malt is everywhere, but what does it mean? We want to know what the word “single” means to you. Three quick questions, under a minute.
Bottled at 100 proof, Kentucky Boy carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of US$99.99 (£74 / ₹9,475).
From September 11 at 10am ET, bottles will be available in limited quantities at Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, at shop.oldforester.com for shipping to states where it is legal, and at select Kentucky retailers.
A release celebration with Morris will take place at the distillery on September 11 from 6pm to 8pm ET.
What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris
READ THE STORYMorris joined Brown-Forman in 1976. He rose to become the fifth master distiller in Old Forester history and the guiding force behind Woodford Reserve. His work helped usher in the global renaissance of premium bourbon.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to have played a role in the renaissance of Kentucky bourbon,” Morris said.
“Seeing consumers appreciate bourbon on a level historically afforded that of Single Malt Scotch and Cognac is most gratifying,” he added.
“I am confident that future generations of Kentucky bourbon distillers will continue to build upon the momentum we started nearly 50 years ago.”
To honor Morris, Brown-Forman turned to its archives to resurrect a historic brand name. The Kentucky Boy label was originally acquired in 1923, when the company purchased Louisville’s Lynndale Distillery during Prohibition. It was marketed through the 1940s under a thoroughbred racing theme.
A portion of net proceeds will benefit Second Stride, a national equine adoption program for retired Thoroughbred racehorses.
Brown-Forman is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Its portfolio includes the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Herradura, and Diplomático Rum. The company employs around 4,900 people and sells in more than 170 countries.
Latest On The Whiskey Wash
