Our Story
The Legacy of King
Established as a “product of expediency,” King was defined by a legacy of adaptation and responsiveness to consumer tastes. Following Brown-Forman’s 1936 acquisition of the “King of Kentucky” label — a tribute to the “sport of kings” — the brand navigated the post-Prohibition era and World War II by evolving its formulation from a 100-proof Straight Bourbon into a “taste-engineered” blended whisky. This commitment to innovation saw the name streamlined to “KING” and the introduction of a smoother, lighter profile in the 1950s, ensuring the brand remained a preference for those seeking a lower-proof, high-quality drinking experience. Unfortunately despite these changes, the brand was discontinued in 1968.
Yet, in 2018, King of Kentucky transformed from a memory into a modern masterpiece of patience. Today, it stands as a testament to the philosophy that some things cannot be rushed. By reaching deep into the Brown-Forman barrel archives, we curate an annual release of ultra-premium, single-barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Each expression is a singular, unrepeatable event, crafted for those who understand that true luxury is found in the rare and the refined.
Milestones
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1881: The brand was established by John G. Roach Distilling Co.
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1936: Brown-Forman acquires the trademark from Selected KY Distillers, Inc., and features the label on a water tower later that year.
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1940s: Brown-Forman becomes the first distillery to stop production to support the war effort. After the war, King of Kentucky is one of only three whiskeys that helps bring the company back.
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1968: Production of whiskey under the brand name King of Kentucky is discontinued.
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2018: Brown-Forman resurrects the lapsed label to meet modern demand for higher-proof, ultra-premium single barrel expression.
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2026: First Small Batch release.
Our Craft
We pride ourselves on our craft and the personal touch that goes into every bottle. Hand bottled, individually numbered and wax dipped; every bottle of King of Kentucky is a testament to our unwavering commitment towards our craft.
King of Kentucky captures the true essence of whiskey royalty, meticulously crafted for individuals who value the intersection of deep-seated heritage, authenticity, and resilience. Our unwavering dedication to uncompromising craftsmanship and rigorous attention to detail ensures an unparalleled experience with every pour, harmonizing sophisticated refinement with a genuine, unpretentious character.
By remaining steadfast to our historic roots and the distinctive profile of each barrel, we embrace the perseverance and strength required to forge a whiskey that stands the test of time. We invite those who live with confidence and discernment to experience this rich legacy of quality and tradition — and to live each day like a king.