Just before I jump into my evaluate of the 2024 King of Kentucky bourbon, Permit’s give a quick overview of all of the releases to date. You will see a good amount of similarity in notes from yr to 12 months, but also some variations which make just about every launch a singular 1.
Brown-Forman managed to survive the Prohibition period by acquiring a grant to supply medicinal whiskey. Around the decades, they've continued to improve, sooner or later starting to be considered one of the greatest spirits providers during the US. They continue to maintain that status now.
For those who’re swift, you will be in a position to hunt down King of Kentucky after its launch at a specialty liquor store. I might advise scheduling a trip to Kentucky in early Oct if you would like uncover a single in person.
Everything will get a boost by sweet caramel. Spices present up in the form of ground peppercorns, fiery cinnamon and chili powder. Tannins are available the form of shoe leather-based, cigar wrapper, baker’s chocolate and oak.
It is now starting to be what’s described as “an annual/on-likely periodic release of only one barrel inventory” that may “function a barrel-energy, minimally-filtered evidence presentation.”
Usually, I’m just splitting hairs and endeavoring to come across fault During this extraordinary bourbon. There really is not any want for any score on this 1, but I have to help keep up with custom.
Age statements for the brand have a tendency to fluctuate by only a few a long time with Every release. The 2025 version contains a 17 calendar year age statement, and you simply’ll flavor each individual little bit of it. Launched as one barrel merchandise, this calendar year’s launch consists of sixty three barrels, which, Based on Brown-Forman Learn Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris, ended up “personally picked and tasted from the highest-top quality warehouses, are a true masterpiece.
This could are a factor in why this warehouse was picked for 2022 (they change each and every year). Below’s the breakdown of wherever the King of Kentucky barrels arrived from annually:
. Her journey into food items media started king of kentucky bourbon in faculty when she Started the Washington and Lee University chapter of Spoon College. She afterwards contributed to Allrecipes, working on their social workforce and getting useful knowledge in material technique and storytelling.
It’s lacking this telltale Wooden varnish Observe that I usually seem to discover with bourbon aged of their heat-cycled warehouses. The odd section is, I’m almost beneficial this barrel (and one other KoKs for this calendar year) saw heat-biking sooner or later of their maturation. So what happened to it? I’m unsure, but it lets lighter flavors and a number of the rye notes to expose on their own. It’s distinct, but in all the very best approaches feasible.
The 2025 Variation marks the eighth version for your model, and just like the 2024 launch, it really is looking at a $50 raise more than the prior yr. But when one particular model has consistently proved its well worth, it would be the rightfully named King of Kentucky.
I by no means like to go into an evaluation with high expectations, but there’s no stopping it using this bottle. Every thing with the packaging on the provenance would seem elite. There’s not a flaw anywhere for being observed, just pure, unadulterated bourbon glory. The one thing which i’ll comment on is how this barrel from Warehouse G matured into an item that doesn’t right away strike me being a Brown-Forman merchandise.
For a lot of bourbon lovers, King of Kentucky is among the “holy grail” unicorn bottles they are willing to preserve up extra for. I’ve been Fortunate adequate to test it in a mid-rate array, but I'm able to say devoid of hesitation than the usual bottle of King of Kentucky can justify a $1,000+ selling price tag.
“This 12 months’s releases come from two manufacturing days, two a long time aside. This showcases what a variation two many years at these extreme ages make on the colour, taste, and aroma of this excellent whiskey.”
In line with Morris, The end result is bourbon That always preferences more mature than its age assertion. That said, he doesn’t Use a rigid or preconceived Idea of King of Kentucky’s flavor profile.