Brown-Forman’s Vaunted King of Kentucky Brand Expands With Small Batch Bourbon Collection

Brown-Forman on Wednesday announced the release of a new King of Kentucky Small Batch bourbon collection, mark the 250th anniversary of the United States and the founding of Kentucky County, Virginia, which later became the state of Kentucky.

The limited-edition release introduces a three-batch series for the first time in the brand’s modern history. Each batch is bottled at a different proof and blends barrels of bourbon aged between 12 and 18 years. The suggested retail price is $299, with limited availability in select U.S. markets.

From Single Barrel to Small Batch

King of Kentucky is best known for its annual single-barrel releases, which Brown-Forman revived in 2018 after decades of dormancy. Since their launch, these single-barrel releases have been some of the best-reviewed whiskey releases in America year after year. The 2025 King of Kentucky Single Barrel release landed at No. 15 on our “100 Best Whiskeys of 2025” list and 10th on our “50 Best Bourbons of 2025” roundup. Click here to read our review of it.

The new Small Batch Collection represents a departure from that format, but the traditional single-barrel expression will continue as an annual fall release.

The 2026 collection consists of three batches, each bottled at a different proof:

• Batch 1: 105 proof
• Batch 2: 107.5 proof
• Batch 3: 110 proof

According to Brown-Forman, some of the barrels experienced unusually high evaporation over time, with as little as 16% of liquid remaining.

Chris Morris, Brown-Forman master distiller emeritus, said the barrels were held back for a meaningful release.

“For years, I’ve held onto these rare, aged barrels, waiting for a moment significant enough to share them,” Morris said in a news release. “To celebrate the founding of our country with a whiskey of this caliber feels like the perfect tribute.”

Pricing and Availability

King of Kentucky Small Batch will be released in limited quantities nationwide with a suggested retail price of $299. Availability will vary by market.

King of Kentucky Small Batch Tasting Notes, Via Brown-Forman

Brown-Forman released separate tasting notes for each batch to highlight differences driven by proof and barrel selection.

Batch 1: “Sweet aromatics of chocolate, caramel, and toasted marshmallow balanced with dried apricot and clove; smooth oak and toasted coconut on the palate; a silky, shorter finish.”

Batch 2: “Dark fruit notes of dates and fig layered with caramel and charred oak; minty with hints of vanilla; a longer, crisp finish.”

Batch 3: “Rich chocolate and brown sugar brightened by citrus and pine; bold oak and spice on the palate; the longest, oak-forward finish.”

Brown-Forman has owned King of Kentucky since 1936. The brand was originally established in 1881 and takes its name from thoroughbred horse racing, often called “The Sport of Kings.”