Old Forester of Kentucky, the first bottled bourbon, and King Ranch of Texas, the birthplace of American Ranching, are releasing a limited-edition whisky that pays homage to the hard work, ingenuity and lasting legacy of two iconic brands -- Old Forester King Ranch Edition.
Available only in Texas, this marks the first iteration of the limited-edition expression that celebrates the rich history of the Brown family of Brown-Forman and descendants of King Ranch founder Richard King.
The Brown family has seven generations of whisky-making credentials, and the King Ranch family celebrates eight generations of ranching. Combined, they have 300 years of uniquely American history. In addition, the two brands are connected via the Kentucky Derby. Old Forester Bourbon is the key ingredient in every Mint Julep sold at Churchill Downs; King Ranch owned three Derby winners, including 1946 Triple Crown winner Assault.
"This new product represents George Garvin Brown's lasting legacy and Old Forester's commitment to quality bourbon," Cole Irvin, a whisky innovator who helped craft the King Ranch Bourbon. "It's a big, bold flavor -- to match the big, bold King Ranch in South Texas."
Bottled at 105 proof from a proprietary batch of Old Forester Bourbon using heavily charred barrels, the bourbon is finished through King Ranch mesquite charcoal. The charcoal was created from mesquite trees harvested from the ranch. The process brings a touch of Texas and helps highlight the bold flavor notes in this new bourbon.
"Bourbon lovers across Texas are in for a rare and special treat that both whiskey connoisseurs and hardworking people can savor," said Robert Hodgen, CEO at King Ranch. "We're proud of the product as well as our partnership which captures American history in a bottle."
Tasting notes include:
Color: Maple Syrup
Aroma: Dried cherries, cranberries, toasted pecans and marshmallows drizzled with sorghum molasses.
Flavor: Sweet dark chocolate, tobacco and leather spices mingle with toasted and caramelized oak and nut character.
Finish: Long and warming
The suggested retail price for King Ranch is $69.99, and it will only be available in Texas.
Categories: Kentucky, General