2020 King of Kentucky 14yr Batch 24 (20/27) 133.2°

Nose:  A dark, dense nose. Lots of rich dark chocolate – the 85% plus type that brings with it longevity and bitterness.  A very viscous nose that seems to go on forever... 

Palate:  The front taste reminds me of exactly the 2019 KOK.  The difference to this is the finish has such different profiles to follow.

When I enjoyed the 2019 KOK, it was viscous with a memory of entering a mechanic shop with the oils everywhere – as if tasting that in liquid form.  This year’s expression has that immediate feeling, but it is more profound.  There is a layer of spice to it that reminds me of a grassiness that somehow blends really well.  Such potent items, but maintains the feel of what makes KOK so good and highly coveted.  If one can tell that this is one year less than last year’s based on taste, I’m impressed; it actually feels more so like a mature old king in the front in but with a little bit of blithe feeling of youth at the end.   

So much heat profile to play with...  This King puts you in your place and tells you to enjoy the layers of its flavor. 

Verdict:  I didn’t think it would be better than last year’s, but I’m wrong.  There is a newer dimension to it that didn’t exist while maintaining everything good that one thing of when it comes to KOK.  I still see my mechanic shop, but this time, there is a kid running in with grass-stained pants carrying that essence in the air.  

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