The Old Forester Kentucky whiskey brand has teamed with King Ranch out of Texas on a limited edition bourbon, available only in Texas, that has a mesquite charcoal finish.
The new Old Forester King Ranch Edition, according to those behind it, is designed to celebrate the seven generations of whiskey making heritage of the Brown family (Old Forester) and the King Ranch family’s eight generations of ranching. In addition, the two brands are connected via the Kentucky Derby. Old Forester Bourbon is the key ingredient in every Mint Julep sold at Churchill Downs; King Ranch owned three Derby winners, including 1946 Triple Crown winner Assault.
The whiskey bottled for this release, with a 105 proof, heralds from a proprietary batch of Old Forester Bourbon using heavily charred barrels that is then finished through King Ranch mesquite charcoal. The charcoal was created from mesquite trees harvested from the ranch. The process brings what’s described as “a touch of Texas and helps highlight the bold flavor notes in this new bourbon.”
“This new product represents George Garvin Brown’s lasting legacy and Old Forester’s commitment to quality bourbon,” said Cole Irvin, a whisky innovator who helped craft the King Ranch Bourbon, in a prepared statement. “It’s a big, bold flavor – to match the big, bold ranch in South Texas.”
“Bourbon lovers across Texas are in for a rare and special treat that both whiskey connoisseurs and hardworking people can savor,” added Robert Hodgen, CEO at King Ranch. “We’re proud of the product as well as our partnership which captures American history in a bottle.”
Old Forester King Ranch Edition prices around $70, and you’ll find official tasting notes below.
- Color: Maple Syrup
- Aroma: Dried cherries, cranberries, toasted pecans and marshmallows drizzled with sorghum molasses.
- Flavor: Sweet dark chocolate, tobacco and leather spices mingle with toasted and caramelized oak and nut character.
- Finish: Long and warming
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