Once-Off Limited Edition
Brown-Forman has revived its historic Kentucky Boy brand with a limited, one-time bourbon release honouring Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and his 50-year career with the company.
Kentucky Boy was created by Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall and Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo, drawing inspiration from whiskies Morris developed throughout his career, including Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, King of Kentucky, and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.
Brown-Forman turned to its archives to revive the Kentucky Boy name, which dates to the company’s 1923 acquisition of Louisville’s Lynndale Distillery during Prohibition. The brand was marketed through the 1940s with a thoroughbred racing theme before becoming dormant. The new release brings the historic name back as a tribute to Morris and his influence on modern bourbon.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Rich in chocolate, toasted hazelnut, Luxardo cherry, nutmeg, and fresh-baked apple pie.
Palate: Opens with “crisp ginger snap cookie and stewed apples,” then moves to sweet charred oak and baking spices.
Finish: A long, sweet finish ends with dark cherries, golden raisins, and hickory smoke.
"I asked Morris if he knew what the percentages of each whiskey were in the blend, and he said he did not, but he did say that it’s definitely not equal parts. Whatever the case might be, Kentucky Boy is a really superb bourbon. The concept of combining brand names like these into one whiskey is certainly a marketing gimmick in part, but you can’t argue with the results (you can, but you’re gonna lose that argument). The bourbon is clearly well-aged, with rich notes of oak, dark chocolate, tobacco, and leather (the Double Oaked makes itself known), but it doesn’t go overboard. It definitely reads as a Brown-Forman product, with ripe fruit and banana notes that peek through as you sip, but the palate is chock full of flavors like butterscotch, vanilla, cinnamon, cherry cola, and just a hint of black pepper and nutmeg. There’s also a flash of heat at 100 proof, and honestly I’m glad this wasn’t release as a barrel-proof expression." - Jonah Flicker, Robb Report (95 Points)
