King Of Kentucky 16 Year Old Bourbon 2023 Release Single Barrel

16 years. Single barrel. Barrel strength. King of Kentucky 2023 — Brown-Forman's revived prestige bourbon label, producing one of the oldest age-statement single barrel barrel-strength releases from a major Kentucky distillery.

King of Kentucky was a historic bourbon brand originally produced by the Old Forester distillery in the early 20th century. Brown-Forman revived the name in 2018 as a prestige annual limited release — single barrel, barrel strength, and at an age statement that most producers wouldn't attempt commercially. The 2023 at 16 years is the most recent release, continuing the program's commitment to extended aging that defines what distinguishes King of Kentucky from Brown-Forman's broader portfolio.

At 16 years of Kentucky aging, the high-rye Old Forester mashbill has achieved the deep oak integration, dried fruit concentration, and leather complexity that distinguishes ultra-aged bourbon from standard production. As a single barrel at barrel strength, the 2023 is bottled without dilution at whatever natural proof that specific barrel reached — delivering the full intensity of Brown-Forman's finest 16-year inventory uncut and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Very deep amber from 16 years of barrel aging.
• Nose: Rich caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, and deep oak — the Old Forester mashbill at 16-year single barrel maturity.
• Palate: Powerful at barrel strength — deep oak integration, dried fruit, leather, and warm spice in a fully concentrated expression.
• Finish: Long and complex — the 16-year extended aging producing a multi-stage finish.

Specs

• Distillery: Brown-Forman Distillery, Louisville, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel, Barrel Strength
• Age: 16 years
• Release: 2023 annual
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the history of King of Kentucky? An historic bourbon brand originally produced at the Old Forester distillery in the early 20th century. Brown-Forman revived the name in 2018 as a prestige annual limited release — single barrel, barrel strength, and with an age statement (14–16 years) that represents the oldest regularly released expression in Brown-Forman's portfolio.
• How does King of Kentucky relate to Old Forester? Both are produced by Brown-Forman from the same distillery and mashbill. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is the annual prestige release at 12 years; King of Kentucky pushes to 16 years as a single barrel at barrel strength. King of Kentucky is the older, more powerful, and more limited of the two annual prestige programs.
• Is the 2023 the most recent King of Kentucky release? Yes — the 2023 is the most recent annual release, representing the current apex of the King of Kentucky program.
• Is the 2023 King of Kentucky still available? Yes — available now. A rare find from Brown-Forman's most limited annual program.