King of Kentucky 12 Year Bourbon, Batch 2 (2026)

King of Kentucky is one of Brown-Forman’s most limited and sought after releases, offered as a single barrel, barrel strength Kentucky straight bourbon. The 2026 release features 12 year old bourbon, drawn from individual barrels and bottled without dilution, meaning proof will vary by barrel.

Each bottle reflects a single cask, so no two are exactly alike, but the extended aging and barrel strength presentation consistently deliver depth, structure, and concentration. The nose opens with rich caramel, dark fruit, and seasoned oak layered over vanilla and baking spice. On the palate, brown sugar, toffee, and oak driven spice unfold alongside notes of cherry, leather, and subtle tobacco. The finish is long, powerful, and lingering, carrying warmth, oak, and a deep, mature sweetness that reflects both age and barrel intensity.

For a pairing that stands up to its scale, pour King of Kentucky alongside our Teres Major. The whiskey’s caramelized depth and oak structure echo the bourbon miso butter and char on the steak, while its proof cuts through the richness of the pommes purée and mushrooms. It’s a pairing that feels bold, deliberate, and built for slow appreciation.