‘King of Kentucky’ 2021 Limited Ed Bourbon Coming Soon

King of Kentucky bourbon
Courtesy Photo

All hail as the King of Kentucky is returning this year with the release of its fourth edition.  Hitting shelves in September, this will be the fourth release for the brand stemming from parent company whiskey giant Brown-Forman. 

{For review of 2020’s King of Kentucky 3rd Edition release, CLICK HERE}

The majority of this year’s volume will remain in Kentucky, with Illinois and Ohio also carrying limited amounts.

The 2021 expression will be a 14-year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and will produce approximately 2,700 bottles with a suggested retail of $249.99.

King of Kentucky was established in 1881 as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  Brown-Forman acquired the brand in 1936 from Selected Kentucky Distillers and, by 1940, converted it to a blended whiskey until it was discontinued in 1968.  In 2018, Brown-Forman revived the lapsed label paying homage to the brand’s past.

King of Kentucky vintage ad
Vintage ad. Available on EBAY

King of Kentucky is an annual/on-going periodic release of a single barrel inventory featuring a barrel-strength, minimally-filtered proof presentation, with each release and every barrel being unique.  For this year’s iteration, Master Distiller Chris Morris chose 33 barrels to set aside for the limited-release product.

“This year’s release comes from two production days-14 years ago-but a mere twelve days apart,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris. “Given the fact that each bottling is of a single barrel, the very slight difference in age is undetectable. All the barrels that were selected for this year are of the highest quality.”

Due to the rarity of these barrels, there will be no defined annual volume. Just like the extra time it takes for the liquid to age, the package will also show a personal craftsmanship. Every bottle will tell the story of its origin through the details on the front and back of its package. All will be filled, bottled, wax-dipped, and numbered by hand with details including proof, age, warehouse location, lot number, serial number, and barrel number, all selected by Master Distiller Chris Morris.  

Spec and Tasting Notes: Provided by B-F

Taste Notes:  “Representative Barrel”

Proof: 130.0

Age: 14 years

Lot: 06L06, Warehouse:I, Floor:3, Rick:7

Color: Rich Umber

Aroma:  Deep notes of dried fig, dark caramel, and vanilla bean with a light chocolate sweetness all sharpened with a hint of caramelized orange and lemon peels and a pinch of cinnamon.

Flavor: Dark caramel and dried fruit coat a layer of dark baking spices and toasted coconut notes brightened with crisp notes of citrus.

Finish:  Crisp and dry with a hint of apple and citrus fruit.