Copper & Kings Apple Brandy Finished Kentucky Exclusive Blend Of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2024) 75cl

Copper & Kings is based out of Louisville, Kentucky, and has made a name for themselves with their brandy and non-whiskey products. The company introduced two limited distillery-only bourbons in 2022, however, for the first time, they’re releasing a bourbon that will be available throughout the state of Kentucky. According to the press release, Copper & Kings Bourbon is a blend of 5, 10, and 15-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons that have been finished in the company’s American Apple Brandy barrels for 12 months. Head Distiller Brandon O’Daniel goes on to state that “our bourbon is another feather in the cap for Copper & Kings. We are born and raised in the bluegrass state and although we will always be a brandy distillery we are also extremely fascinated with what our barrels can do in regards to finishing spirits.”

The most unique aspect of this bourbon isn’t how it tastes, it’s how it’s made. Yes, blending sourced Kentucky bourbons is commonplace, but what’s less common is a company using their own used spirits barrels to finish the bourbon in. Even if it can be assumed that Copper & Kings chose specific used barrels that they felt would best complement the blend of bourbons being put in the barrels, it doesn’t take away from the fact that you don’t see this happen in this order. The vast majority of the time, it’s a bourbon distiller procuring used barrels to finish their bourbon in, not vice versa. This release made me realize just how much I’d love to see other non-whiskey spirits producers age and finish bourbon in their used cooperage.

TASTING NOTES

55% ABV

75cl