Louisville Kings Bourbon by Copper & Kings: Price & Release

Copper & Kings American Brandy Company just dropped a limited collector bourbon to mark the Louisville Kings' inaugural season—and if you're a sports memorabilia collector or bourbon enthusiast, this one's worth knowing about. The distillery hand-selected a single barrel of 15-year Kentucky bourbon (18 years total in wood) and finished it for over three years in an apple brandy barrel. At $300 per bottle with only 150 made, each one comes signed by Head Coach Chris Redman. It's designed as a commemorative piece tying Louisville's craft spirits scene to the city's newest sports franchise.

Release Details and How to Buy

The Louisville Kings single barrel bourbon officially launches at a bottle release party on Monday, March 23, from 6-9 p.m. at the Copper & Kings Distillery in Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood. Here's what you need to know:

• Price: $300 per bottle
• Total bottles: 150 (this is the entire release)
• Each ticket includes one signed bottle, admission for two guests, food, drinks, and live music
• Reservations are online-only through Copper & Kings' special release form
• Can't make the event? You can still reserve a bottle and pick it up later at the distillery

The bourbon itself is a 15-year-old Kentucky bourbon that spent 18 years total in wood, then got an extended finish of more than three years in a Copper & Kings apple brandy barrel. That's a significant finishing period—most barrel finishes run a few months, not years—which should deliver noticeable brandy influence on the nose and palate.

Why This Bottle Matters for Collectors

Limited sports commemorative bottles aren't new, but this one checks a few boxes that make it stand out. First, it's truly limited—150 bottles isn't a lot, especially for a team's inaugural season. Second, the liquid itself is legitimately interesting: older bourbon with a long brandy barrel finish isn't something you see on shelves every day. Third, it's tied to a specific moment in Louisville sports history, which gives it context beyond just being a branded bottle. Rob Bourdon of Copper & Kings called it "something rare and memorable, made right here in Louisville," and that local angle matters for collectors in the region.

The partnership also makes Copper & Kings an official sponsor of the Louisville Kings, including the "Kings Before Kings" tailgate experience at Lynn Family Stadium throughout the season. If you're planning to catch games—the home opener is March 27 against the Birmingham Stallions—you'll see the distillery's presence at pre-game events. For spirits fans, it's a solid excuse to connect game day with local craft distilling.

What the Bourbon Tastes Like

The press release doesn't include formal tasting notes, but based on the specs, here's what you can reasonably expect: a mature bourbon base with baking spice, oak, and caramel, layered with apple and orchard fruit notes from the extended brandy barrel finish. The three-plus years in that apple brandy barrel should add complexity and a fruity sweetness that plays off the bourbon's deeper, darker flavors. Copper & Kings is known for finishing bourbon in brandy barrels—it's one of their signatures—so they've got experience dialing in that balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy the Louisville Kings bourbon?

You can only reserve the Louisville Kings bourbon through Copper & Kings' official bottle release form online. There are 150 bottles total, priced at $300 each, and they're expected to sell out quickly. Pickup is at the distillery's release event on March 23 or by appointment after that date.

Is the $300 price worth it for this bourbon?

The $300 price reflects the collectibility factor more than just the liquid. You're paying for a 15-year bourbon with a rare three-year apple brandy finish, a signed bottle from the head coach, and a tie to the Louisville Kings' first season. If you're a collector or Kings fan, it's a solid commemorative piece. If you just want a great bourbon to drink, there are plenty of excellent bottles under $100.

How many bottles of Louisville Kings bourbon were made?

Only 150 bottles were produced from the single barrel. This is the entire release—no additional batches are planned. Each bottle is signed by Louisville Kings Head Coach Chris Redman, making it a true limited edition for collectors.

What is Copper & Kings known for?

Copper & Kings is a Louisville distillery that specializes in American brandy and innovative barrel finishing. They're known for aging brandy in bourbon barrels and finishing bourbon in brandy barrels, blending traditional craft with creative techniques. The distillery is located in Butchertown, close to Lynn Family Stadium, and features a rooftop bar with city views.

When does the Louisville Kings season start?

The Louisville Kings kick off their inaugural United Football League season at home on Friday, March 27, at 8 p.m. against the Birmingham Stallions at Lynn Family Stadium. Game tickets are available through UFLKings.com.