King of Kentucky Whiskey Returns With 14-Year Single-Barrel Bourbon
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Editorial Dept.
King of Kentucky is back for 2026 with a 14-year-old bourbon drawn from fewer than 100 barrels. Brown-Forman’s latest single-barrel release ranges from 125 to 135 proof, with each bottle detailing the individual barrel it came from. The limited whiskey will be sold in select U.S. markets at a suggested price of $399.
Brown-Forman said in a press release that this year’s King of Kentucky release comes from two 14-year-old lots totaling 99 barrels, including 51 aged on the third floor of Warehouse I and 48 from the first floor of Warehouse L.
“This year’s King of Kentucky is a remarkable expression of what time, careful maturation and thoughtful barrel selection can create,” said Caleb Trigo, Assistant Master Distiller. “Each of these 99 barrels was selected for its exceptional character, and after 14 years of aging, they deliver the bold, complex profile that defines King of Kentucky.”
The 2026 expression offers a fruit-forward aroma with orange zest, rich caramel, dark chocolate, and toasted marshmallow notes layered over balanced, nutty oak character. On the palate, dark maple syrup coats layers of orange zest, vanilla wafers, and a touch of baked banana. The finish is exceptionally long, with silky-smooth notes of caramel and chocolate.
All bottles are filled, bottled, wax-dipped, and numbered by hand and presented inside a custom canister. Each bottle provides details including the proof, age, warehouse location, lot number, serial number, and barrel number. This year’s King of Kentucky is available in limited quantities in select markets nationwide for a suggested retail price of $399.
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 discontinued it in 1968. In 2018, Brown-Forman revived the label to pay homage to the brand’s past and continues the tradition today with this high-proof expression.
About Brown-Forman
Brown-Forman Corporation has been building exceptional spirits brands for more than 150 years, responsibly upholding our founding promise of “Nothing Better in the Market.” Our portfolio of premium brands includes the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, The Glendronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, Herradura, El Jimador, Chambord, Gin Mare, and Diplomatico Rum. With a team of approximately 5,400 employees worldwide, we proudly share our passion for premium beverages in more than 170 countries. Discover more about us at brown-forman.com.
Please sip responsibly.
King of Kentucky, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 62.2% to 67.5% Alc. by Vol., Brown-Forman Distillers Co., Louisville, KY. OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark. ©2026 Brown-Forman Distillery, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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