Initially reviewed this in haste due to pure excitement, but wanted to provide more detailed impressions because this expression is truly phenomenal. I went in with no expectations, actually hoping for mediocrity given recent disappointments with many "premium" bottles, which I had planned to use as justification to abandon modern bourbon and exclusively collect older, less-produced spirits. On Christmas afternoon, I opened the 16-year King of Kentucky, bottle 74 of 90 at 129.4 proof, fully anticipating being underwhelmed, so I was thrilled that I absolutely adored it. Recent bottles that severely let me down included ECBP C923 and Michter's 10 Year Bourbon 23A; both were simply unremarkable. The M10b aimed for greatness, but the person responsible for its proofing clearly has no regard for a whiskey drinker's palate. I'm not a proof snob; I'm a Wild Turkey enthusiast who appreciates lower proof barrel strength expressions. Russell's 2003 is an exceptional whiskey at 89.5 proof. This year's King of Kentucky has reignited my belief that contemporary bourbon can be outstanding. It's unfortunate that it has to be so scarce. This situation is a grim indicator for the future. Over four decades ago, a bourbon of this caliber could be purchased for under $30, with tens of thousands of bottles readily available. Today, we see releases of only 3800 bottles distributed across a few states, commanding a $1600 price tag. However, if you ever decide to splurge on a whiskey, do yourself a favor and make it the King of Kentucky 16 Year. It's the finest modern whiskey I've ever encountered.
King of Kentucky 16 Year Bourbon (2023 Release)
Whiskey Bourbon Kentucky 16 Year
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About this bottle
The Brown-Forman Distillery produced the King of Kentucky bourbon, a brand revived in 2018 and reintroduced as a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. This single barrel, barrel-strength bourbon is offered annually. The sixth iteration in the series, distilled on July 19, 2007, began with a proof of 125. Its composition includes 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley. Released in autumn 2023, it had aged a minimum of 16 years, with production limited to 51 barrels, yielding approximately 3,800 bottles. Individual barrel proofs typically range from 125 to 135.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 4 parsed reviews.
Amazing with abundant rich oak, peanut butter, dark chocolate, caramel, maple syrup, molasses, festive, and port-like flavors. It might seem intensely oaky at first but becomes sweeter with time. Nose: Caramel, Dark Chocolate, Molasses, Cinnamon, Strawberries, Nutmeg, Licorice, Gingerbread, Plums, Raspberries, Peanut Butter, Vanilla, Roses, Brown Sugar. Palate: Caramel, Walnuts, Oranges, Cinnamon, Molasses, Maple Syrup, Leather, Cloves, Tobacco, Baked Red Apples, Cherries, Nutmeg, Ginger, Hazelnuts, Blackcurrants, Cranberries. Finish: Dark Chocolate, Bananas, Cloves, Nutmeg, Toasted Vanilla, Leather, Pecan Pie, Maple Syrup, Tobacco, Demerara Syrup, Peaches, Peanut Butter, Cherries, Cranberries.
I've handed out a lot of top ratings, but honestly, this is the only one that truly deserves it. I need to rethink my scale... Absolutely perfect! 129.4 proof
Flawless.
Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.
