King of Kentucky 14 Year Bourbon (2020 Release)

Many, including myself, have stated that the 2019 King of Kentucky is the finest Bourbon ever produced. Tonight, I'm reviewing my first bottle of the 2020 release. It reduces the age statement from 15 to 14 years. While the bottle count is similar, these will be sold primarily at the distillery, making them considerably harder to obtain and likely much more expensive for those who appreciated last year's bottling. Suffice it to say, acquiring this bottle was incredibly costly. The initial aroma is sweet, with what I'd describe as a bubble gum note. Brown sugar and rich French vanilla are also present, along with oak and leather. The primary issue is that it's excessively sweet and somewhat immature, akin to WLW's youthful character, not as young as Evan Williams. Adding water reveals apple cinnamon, tempering that "WLW" bubble gum sweetness and fostering a more integrated and balanced profile. Complex, rich, and well-blended spices, oak, and sweetness emerge. Taste: Right away, I perceive a strong bubble gum sweetness. This transitions to vanilla, rich oak, a powerful spice bomb dominated by cinnamon and tobacco, and concludes with burnt oak. Once again, something feels slightly off. It's good, exceptionally good, but not quite ready. It's evident this bottling is too young. With water: Even more spice and oak tannins appear, along with a massive oak spice. It's like crème brûlée with an intensely sweet, overdone oak. The spice level escalates significantly. Well, folks, I had hoped to be mistaken tonight, but this is by far the least impressive of the 5 King of Kentucky bottles I've sampled, with 4 being from last year's release. I believe the reduction of one year, particularly given the maturation curve where a year can have a substantial impact, has done this release a disservice. If you paid over $400, I truly hope you found a better barrel than this. Barrel 16, one of 75 bottles at 64.55% ABV. My apologies, but the king has fallen. I hope to find at least one more barrel to confirm if the reduced age truly harmed it. I will note that while I detect some youth, I also perceive some over-oaked notes. I believe it needed more oak to rectify the off oak characteristics. However, it simply requires more sweetness, which was the element that elevated the 2019 releases to another level. The intensity of sweetness is what perfectly balanced the 2019 King of Kentucky with what they claim is the oak character of a 21-year-old bourbon. In summary, 3.75 out of 5 compared to last year's 5.0. The distinction between perfection and outstanding can be incredibly fine; flaws like these prevent it from reaching a 4, let alone a 5.

It was chilly outside by a fire when I tried this. The aroma was hard to discern, but I suspect the environment played a bigger role than the bourbon. From the first taste, it's clear this is an elite bourbon. It's bursting with taste and coats the mouth. Definitely an oak-forward experience. The finish is extended and drying, making you want another sip. My only critique is that I wished it had a bit more sweetness. It's heavy on oak and cinnamon, with no alcohol sting. It's a truly excellent pour that I'd happily drink anytime. Cheers

First off, this is incredibly distinctive. The aroma is one of the most powerful I've ever encountered. The initial taste of the first sip is quite intense (forward ethanol at the beginning) but it finishes smoothly and with complexity. That said, the secondary market price is definitely not justified. I'd rate it comparably to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. The sheer distinctiveness of this makes a 1 oz pour worth trying. Everyone's perception of this will differ due to its profile.

Nose: intricate, woodsy notes, sugary undertones, hints of vanilla, and a touch of spice. Palate: Remarkable! Much of the aroma translates to the taste, coating the mouth fully. Finish: Satisfying, with a mild warmth. There's a subtle imperfection I can't quite identify. At its original price or a bit above, I'd wholeheartedly endorse it. Secondary market pricing isn't justified, but a small tasting pour is worthwhile to avoid purchasing a whole bottle.

Fantastic taste initially with a pronounced heat in the end. Silky and fluid at the start, then it impacts strongly. Superb in summary!

Remarkably smooth. The aroma suggests pecan pie, with a vanilla core and a smooth butterscotch finish.