Kentucky Boy Bourbon: Brown-Forman Creates a One-Time Tribute to Chris Morris
There are plenty of limited bourbon releases every year, but Kentucky Boy Bourbon has a combination inside the bottle that immediately makes it worth paying attention to.
Brown-Forman is bringing back the historic Kentucky Boy name for a special release honoring Chris Morris and his 50-year career with Brown-Forman.
And instead of creating just another limited bourbon, Kentucky Boy combines whiskey from three major releases tied directly to Morris:
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
- Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
- King of Kentucky
Kentucky Boy will be bottled at 100 proof, carries a $100 MSRP, and is being released as a one-time offering.
Kentucky Boy Bourbon Quick Facts
Brand: Kentucky Boy
Owner: Brown-Forman
Type: Bourbon blend
Proof: 100 proof
ABV: 50%
Age Statement: None
MSRP: $100
Release Date: September 10, 2026
Release Type: One-time limited release
The exact ages and percentages of the individual whiskeys used in the final blend have not been disclosed.
What Is Kentucky Boy Bourbon?
Kentucky Boy is a special bourbon created by Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall and Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo.
Both spent years learning under Chris Morris, which makes this release much more personal than simply putting his name on a commemorative bottle.
The project was even kept secret from Morris until Brown-Forman celebrated his 50th anniversary with the company.
The whiskey itself was designed around three releases that represent major pieces of Morris' career.
What's Inside Kentucky Boy Bourbon?
This is where Kentucky Boy gets interesting.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Chris Morris helped develop Woodford Reserve and became the brand's second Master Distiller in 2003.
He later launched Woodford Reserve Double Oaked in 2012, using a second heavily toasted and lightly charred barrel to create the richer flavor profile the whiskey is known for today.
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
The second component is Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, another highly sought-after Brown-Forman whiskey.
Morris introduced Birthday Bourbon in 2002, and it has since become one of Old Forester's biggest annual limited releases.
King of Kentucky
Then things get even more interesting.
The third component comes from whiskey designated for King of Kentucky, one of Brown-Forman's most premium bourbon programs.
Morris played a major role in bringing King of Kentucky back and has personally evaluated barrels used for the program.
Put those three components together and Kentucky Boy has a résumé that very few $100 bourbon releases can match.
Kentucky Boy Bourbon Tasting Notes
Brown-Forman's official tasting profile points toward a rich, dessert-heavy bourbon.
Nose
- Chocolate
- Toasted hazelnut
- Luxardo cherry
- Nutmeg
- Fresh-baked apple pie
Palate
- Ginger snap cookie
- Stewed apples
- Sweet charred oak
- Baking spices
Finish
- Dark cherries
- Golden raisins
- Hickory smoke
- Long, sweet finish
Those notes make sense considering Woodford Double Oaked is one of the components, but the Birthday Bourbon and King of Kentucky whiskey could add considerably more age and oak complexity to the final blend.
The History Behind the Kentucky Boy Name
Kentucky Boy itself isn't actually a new name.
Brown-Forman originally acquired the Kentucky Boy brand in 1923.
The post-Prohibition version featured a Thoroughbred racehorse on its label, and Brown-Forman has leaned into that history for the new release.
The 2026 bottle uses vintage-inspired packaging along with a neck label recognizing 1976, Chris Morris, and his 50-year legacy.
That also ties into another part of this release.
Kentucky Boy will help raise funds for Second Stride, a nonprofit organization focused on rehabilitating and finding homes for retired Thoroughbred racehorses.
Where Can You Buy Kentucky Boy Bourbon?
Kentucky Boy is scheduled to make its debut on September 10, 2026 at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown.
Additional bottles are expected through:
- Old Forester Distillery in Louisville
- Select Kentucky retailers
- Old Forester's online bottle shop in eligible shipping locations
Availability will be extremely limited. Brown-Forman has positioned Kentucky Boy as a one-time release, meaning another batch is not currently planned once these bottles are gone.
Is Kentucky Boy Bourbon Worth $100?
On paper, absolutely.
A $100 bottle containing whiskey from Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, and King of Kentucky is going to attract attention immediately.
Birthday Bourbon and King of Kentucky are already difficult bottles to buy on their own.
That doesn't automatically mean Kentucky Boy will drink like a $100 bourbon. The final blend still has to deliver.
But from a components, history, collectibility, and price standpoint, Kentucky Boy might be one of the more interesting Brown-Forman releases of 2026.
The bigger problem probably won't be deciding whether it's worth $100.
It'll be finding one for $100.
Kentucky Boy Bourbon FAQ
What is Kentucky Boy Bourbon?
Kentucky Boy is a limited Brown-Forman bourbon created to celebrate Chris Morris' 50-year career with the company.
What bourbon is in Kentucky Boy?
The blend includes whiskey from Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, and King of Kentucky. Exact percentages have not been released.
How much does Kentucky Boy Bourbon cost?
The suggested retail price is $100.
What proof is Kentucky Boy Bourbon?
Kentucky Boy is bottled at 100 proof, or 50% ABV.
When does Kentucky Boy Bourbon come out?
The first release is scheduled for September 10, 2026 at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, followed by additional limited availability.
Is Kentucky Boy Bourbon limited?
Yes. Brown-Forman has described Kentucky Boy as a one-time limited release. Once this batch is sold, another batch is not currently planned.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky Boy Bourbon has almost everything bourbon collectors look for in a new release.
Rare whiskey components. A respected name behind it. A legitimate story. Limited production. And, surprisingly, a $100 MSRP rather than a price several times higher.
The combination of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, and King of Kentucky is enough by itself to make this bottle interesting.
Now we just need to see whether the whiskey inside lives up to what is on the label.
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