Celebrating 250 Years of America with King of Kentucky
In a remarkable tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States, King of Kentucky has announced its highly anticipated 2026 release: the King of Kentucky Small Batch Collection. This limited-series is not just another whiskey; it symbolizes a significant moment in American history and the creation of the state of Kentucky, originally part of Virginia.
A Legacy of Excellence in Whiskey
Established in 1881 and known for honoring the 'Sport of Kings'—thoroughbred horse racing—King of Kentucky has become one of the most prestigious names in American whiskey. Owned by Brown-Forman since 1936, the brand saw a revival in 2018 and has continued to capture the interest of whiskey aficionados around the globe.
Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris has meticulously curated this collection, holding onto rare, aged barrels for years, waiting for a moment worthy enough to unveil them. Morris expressed, “To celebrate the founding of our country with a whiskey of this caliber feels like the perfect tribute.” This limited edition marks not only a celebration of taste but a celebration of heritage.
The Unique Series: Triple Batch Proof
This collection introduces a novel three-batch design, a first for King of Kentucky, which features unique proof levels to highlight the intricacies of its aging process.
- - Batch 1: Bottled at 105 proof, this batch presents enticing notes of chocolate, caramel, and toasted marshmallow, complemented by hints of dried apricot and clove. It delivers a smooth finish with flavors of oak and toasted coconut.
- - Batch 2: With a higher proof of 107.5, this variant reveals dark fruit layers of dates and figs, alongside charred oak and minty notes with a bit of vanilla, concluding with a longer, crisp finish.
- - Batch 3: The boldest of the bunch at 110 proof, this batch offers rich flavors of chocolate and brown sugar brightened by citrus and pine, featuring a notable oak-forward finish.
Each batch is a blend of barrels aged between 12 to 18 years, with some revealing exceptionally high angel's shares, where only 16% of the liquid remains after years of evaporation. This aging process adds a rich complexity, making the Small Batch Collection a true connoisseur's delight.
Pricing and Availability
Fans of King of Kentucky should note that this collection will be available in limited quantities, retailing at a suggested price of $299 per bottle. Whiskey lovers across select markets will have a chance to savor this unique celebration of American heritage.
A New Chapter for King of Kentucky
This Small Batch Collection signifies a new venture for King of Kentucky, which traditionally focuses on single barrel expressions released annually every fall. The crafting of the Small Batch series occurred at the historic Brown-Forman Distillery located in Shively, Kentucky, emphasizing the brand's deep roots in the region.
About Brown-Forman
With a proud tradition of crafting top-tier spirits spanning over 150 years, Brown-Forman thrives on innovation while honoring its founding pledge of 'Nothing Better in the Market.' Apart from King of Kentucky, their prestigious portfolio includes renowned brands such as Jack Daniel's and Woodford Reserve. Today, the company employs about 5,400 people worldwide and shares a passion for exceptional beverages in over 170 countries. For more insights, visit
brown-forman.com.
In conclusion, the King of Kentucky Small Batch Collection serves not only as a delectable whiskey option for 2026 but also as a historic homage to the rich legacy of the United States.