Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction unveils King of Kentucky and Old Forester Birthday Bourbon collection honoring America’s 250th anniversary
The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) has revealed “The 13 Colonies” lot featuring 12 bottles of King of Kentucky 2026 release and a signed 2002 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. The collection commemorates the United States’ 250th anniversary and will be auctioned during the inaugural KBCA event February 13-15, 2026 in Louisville.
The lot symbolically represents America’s 13 original colonies through its bottle count.
“Just as the 13 colonies laid the foundation for a new nation, these 13 bottles represent the historic roots, evolution and enduring legacy of our nation’s native spirit,” said Andrew Varga, KBCA founder.
King of Kentucky was established in 1881 and revived by Brown-Forman in 2018.
The brand releases limited small-batch productions annually with no defined volume.
Must Read Stories
Each bottle is filled, wax-dipped, numbered and detailed by hand under Master Distiller Chris Morris’s guidance.
“As America marks its 250th anniversary, we’re honored to see these bottles included in the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction,” said Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus from Brown-Forman Corporation.
The 2002 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon represents the inaugural release of the annual series.
Distilled in 1989, the bottle was created to mark founder George Garvin Brown’s birthday.
Larry Profancik and Henrietta Pepper donated the bottle, which is signed by George Garvin Brown IV, the founder’s great-great-grandson. It is believed to be the only such bottle in existence.
The whiskey features official tasting notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, oak spice and aged depth.
Previously announced auction lots include an Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience at Heaven Hill Distillery, Four Roses private selection barrel pick, and Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength selection experience.
Auction proceeds will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which supports veterans, service members and their families.
The three-day event promises tastings, exclusive experiences and philanthropic opportunities centered around Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.
