LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 13, 2026) — The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) today announced another extraordinary luxury lot to be offered during its inaugural event over Presidents Day Weekend, Feb. 13–15, 2026. Appropriately titled “The 13 Colonies,” the lot pays tribute to the 13 original colonies that gave rise to the United States, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary with 13 once-in-a-lifetime bottles from Brown-Forman’s historic portfolio.
The lot is comprised of 12 bottles of King of Kentucky from the highly anticipated 2026 release, paired with a donated, signed bottle of the original 2002 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, forming a symbolic union of bourbons that is representative of how the 13 original colonies united under a single banner for a common cause.
“Just as the 13 colonies laid the foundation for a new nation, these 13 bottles represent the historic roots, evolution and enduring legacy of our nation’s native spirit,” said Andrew Varga, founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration. “This lot captures the spirit of the founding era, rare, resilient and crafted with careful intention.”
A Reflection of the Founding of America
The 12 bottles of King of Kentucky reflect unity through individuality, much like the original colonies themselves. Established in 1881 and revived by Brown-Forman in 2018, King of Kentucky offers a rare glimpse into the company’s historic barrel archives, with every bottle filled, wax-dipped, numbered and detailed by hand under the guidance of Master Distiller Chris Morris.
As an annual, limited small-batch release with no defined production volume, King of Kentucky mirrors the colonies’ shared purpose paired with distinct character. Each bottle, like each colony, tells its own story while contributing to a greater whole.
“As America marks its 250th anniversary, we’re honored to see these bottles included in the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction,” said Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus from Brown-Forman Corporation. “The story of King of Kentucky and these individual bottles united by purpose, mirrors the founding principles of our nation, and we’re proud to be part of an event that celebrates bourbon heritage and honors such an important cause.”
Completing the 13-bottle collection is a singular piece of bourbon history, a signed bottle of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2002, the inaugural release of the storied annual series from Old Forester. Distilled in 1989 and bottled in 2002 to mark the birthday of founder George Garvin Brown, the bottle represents both a beginning and a benchmark in American whiskey.
Donated by Larry Profancik and Henrietta Pepper, the bottle is believed to be the only known example signed by George Garvin Brown IV, the founder’s great-great-grandson. With rich notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, oak spice and aged depth, the 2002 release stands as a cornerstone of modern bourbon collecting. Its inclusion elevates “The 13 Colonies” from a rare assemblage to a historic statement.
Previously Announced Bourbon Lots
The Old Forester lot joins these previously announced lots:
- Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience at Heaven Hill Distillery
- Four Roses private selection barrel pick
- Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength selection experience
Proceeds from the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, and reinforcing the event’s commitment to honoring those who have defended the freedoms born from America’s revolution.
For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit www.KYBCA.com.
About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction
The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”
