Why premium, limited-release King of Kentucky bourbon is so pricy

The King of Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon found at Costco is the 2024 edition, aged for 16 years and bottled at 130.4 proof (65.2% ABV). Its mash bill features 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley. In terms of flavor and aroma, it offers notes of cherry, bitter chocolate, vanilla, caramel, oak, and wood spice.
This premium bourbon was distilled at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Master Distiller Chris Morris shared with Bourbon and Banter that "this year's release consists of 63 barrels produced on July 19, 2007, and November 15, 2007. All barrels were aged in Warehouses G and J at the Brown-Forman Distillery." Morris emphasizes that this small batch of aged bourbon illustrates how the careful selection of individual barrels significantly impacts the whiskey's taste, aroma, and color. Additionally, Brown-Forman provided a list of states where the bottles may be available beyond Kentucky, including Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, New York (metropolitan area), Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas (as reported by Bourbon and Banter).
The high price is likely attributed to King of Kentucky being a limited-release bourbon, along with the distillery's esteemed reputation for crafting premium whiskey. Originally known as Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in 1881, the King of Kentucky brand has a rich history as a highly sought-after bourbon. Acquired by Brown-Forman in 1936, the brand was eventually discontinued in 1968. However, since its revival in 2018, Brown-Forman has released a distinctive single barrel bourbon each year, eagerly anticipated by bourbon enthusiasts.
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