King of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon Review (Batch 1 – 105 Proof)

King of Kentucky
Small Batch
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Batch 1
105 Proof
SRP: $299
Review

Please enjoy our King of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon Batch 1 Review!

Background – King of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon Review

King of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon marks a new addition to the historic King of Kentucky lineup, which has traditionally been known for its highly sought-after single barrel releases. For this new Small Batch Collection, select barrels were batched, rather than offering them individually.

According to the press release, the Small Batch Collection includes three batches, each a blend of barrels aged 12–18 years and bottled at a distinct proof to showcase the complexity of its aging process. This review focuses on Batch 1 which is bottled at 105 proof. The other members of the Collection are Batch 2 at 107.5 proof and Batch 3 at 110 proof. The traditional Single Barrel expression will still continue annually in the fall.

Details

• Brand: King of Kentucky
• Collection: Small Batch Collection
• Batch: Batch 1
• Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Age: 12-18 Year Blend
• Proof: 105
• SRP: $299

Tasting Notes – King of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon Batch 1 Review

Let’s taste it:

🛏 Rested: 15 minutes in a Glencairn

👉🏻 Nose: Orange citrus, mild honey sweetness; black tea, dry oak; a bit tannic; sweet dark cherries, caramel and toffee later on; and light leather later still; alcohol vapor appropriate for the proof
👉🏻 Taste: Black tea, mild honey, tannins, dry oak, hint of char, dry
👉🏻 Finish: Tea becomes mildly sweet and lasts throughout; hints of dark cherries; quite dry and tannic; capsaicin spice grows later on; dry spicy oak, mild char and hints of leather towards the end; fairly long with a pleasant warmth for the proof

Dry, Tannic, and Evolving with Time

Initially, the drier, more tart and tannic notes in the nose were the most dominant, but after a sip or two, the sweeter and richer notes began to emerge, though they never dominate. The sweet dark cherries, in particular, become much more evident. The palate and finish remain fairly dry with noticeable tannins, but there is also a level of complexity that develops with time. In fact, with each sip, additional flavors become more apparent. The palate gets just a little more sweet, and tea notes, dark fruit, and spice continue to build and evolve into the finish.

A Different Expression of King of Kentucky

As a fan of the King of Kentucky single barrel releases (when I can find them at a somewhat reasonable price), the Small Batch bourbon is a bit drier and more tannic than I would have expected. It lacks the richer, more confectionery notes that I have found in many, though not all, of the single barrels I have tried. Therefore, my preference leans to the single barrels, particularly at this price point. Also, I have not yet tried Batches 2 or 3. Their flavor profile could significantly differ from this Batch 1.

However, there is still a bit of layered complexity going on here if you give it some time. Whether King of Kentucky Small Batch is worth the price is, of course, a matter of personal choice. Have you tried King of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon Batch 1? What did you think? Cheers!🥃

We hope you have enjoyed our King of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon Batch 1 Review! Next, read these related articles: King of Kentucky Is Back For 2025 and King of Kentucky Small Batch Collection Introduced.

Note: This sample was graciously provided by the Brand for my review. I appreciate it!

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