The King of Kentucky, a truly exceptional bourbon, is distilled and bottled by the esteemed Brown Forman Distillers Co. This renowned distillery is based in the heart of bourbon country, Louisville, Kentucky. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can personally attest to the unrivaled expertise and passion that goes into every bottle of King of Kentucky.
Louisville, Kentucky, holds a special place in the history and culture of bourbon. The city is known for its deep-rooted bourbon traditions and is home to some of the most iconic bourbon distilleries in the world. Brown Forman Distillers Co., with its rich history dating back to 1870, is a true pioneer in the bourbon industry.
I have had the pleasure of visiting Louisville and experiencing the bourbon culture firsthand. The picturesque distillery campus of Brown Forman Distillers Co. is a sight to behold. The attention to detail and commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of their operations.
The distillation process of King of Kentucky is a true testament to the craftsmanship of the distillers at Brown Forman. They carefully select the finest grains, including corn, rye, and malted barley, to create the mash bill for this exceptional bourbon. The grains are milled and mixed with water to extract the sugars needed for fermentation.
Fermentation is a crucial step in the bourbon-making process. The mash is transferred to fermentation tanks, where yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol. This process can take several days, allowing the flavors to develop and the alcohol content to increase.
Once fermentation is complete, the mash is distilled in traditional copper pot stills. The distillation process involves heating the mash to separate the alcohol from the impurities, resulting in a clear liquid known as “new make” spirit. This spirit is then aged in new charred oak barrels, where it develops its rich and complex flavors over time.
The aging process is a key factor in the creation of King of Kentucky. The bourbon is aged for a minimum of nine years, allowing it to develop a deep amber color and a complexity of flavors. The barrels are stored in rickhouses, where they are exposed to the natural elements, including temperature changes and seasonal variations, which contribute to the maturation process.
During my visit to Louisville, I had the opportunity to tour one of Brown Forman's rickhouses. The aroma of aging bourbon filled the air, and the sight of row upon row of barrels was truly awe-inspiring. The master distillers at Brown Forman carefully monitor the aging process, ensuring that each barrel reaches its full potential.
After years of patient aging, the bourbon is finally ready to be bottled as the King of Kentucky. The bottling process is carried out with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring that each bottle contains the finest expression of this exceptional bourbon.
The King of Kentucky is distilled and bottled by Brown Forman Distillers Co. in Louisville, Kentucky. This distillery's commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every bottle, making it a true gem in the world of bourbon. I highly recommend experiencing the King of Kentucky for yourself and savoring the rich flavors that only years of aging can produce.