Brown-Forman premium bourbon releases trifecta of bottles for 250th anniversary
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- Brown-Forman limited three-batch King of Kentucky series for 250th anniversary.
- Each batch blends 12–18 year barrels with proofs of 105, 107.5 and 110.
- Suggested retail price set at $299 per bottle; release complements annual Single Barrel.
One of the most popular labels in bourbon is expanding: King of Kentucky is adding a small-batch collection to the lineup.
Brown-Forman’s coveted premium bourbon, named in honor of Thoroughbred horse racing, was revived in 2018 and has become one of the most sought-after bourbons by whiskey collectors.
Now, for the first time, King of Kentucky will release a trifecta, a three-batch series of differing proofs. This limited-edition collection celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States and the creation of Kentucky County, Virginia, which became the commonwealth of Kentucky, according to a news release.
“For years, I’ve held onto these rare, aged barrels, waiting for a moment significant enough to share them,” said Chris Morris, Brown-Forman master distiller emeritus. “To celebrate the founding of our country with a whiskey of this caliber feels like the perfect tribute.”
This limited release differs from King of Kentucky’s traditional Single Barrel expression, which will continue annually in the fall.
The new collection is a three-batch series, and each batch is blend of barrels aged 12 to 18 years. Some of the barrels had exceptionally high “angel’s share,” meaning there was only about 16% of the original liquid left after years of evaporation, according to the release.
The bottles will be available in limited quantities with a suggested retail price of $299 per bottle in select markets nationwide.
How do the different batches taste?
According to the tasting notes, Batch 1, at 105 proof, has a nose of chocolate, caramel and toasted marshmallow balanced with dried apricot and close. On the palate, it’s smooth oak and toasted coconut with a silky, shorter finish.
Batch 2, at 107.5 proof, is dark fruit notes of dates and fig layered with caramel and charred oak, minty with hints of vanilla and a longer, crisp finish.
Batch 3, at 110 proof, is rich chocolate and brown sugar brightened by citrus and pine, with bold oak and spice on the palate and the longest, oak-forward finish.
Will there be another King of Kentucky Small Batch? Possibly.
According to a spokesman, that will depend on the barrels that have been set aside and how they taste.
