Kings syrup is a type of corn syrup that was originally produced by the A.J. King Company in Louisville, Kentucky starting in the late 1800s. It became a popular pancake syrup across the South and Midwest for many decades. However, as time went on, the brand changed hands multiple times and production eventually ceased. So is Kings syrup still made today? Let’s take a closer look at the history and find out.
Brief History of Kings Syrup
Kings syrup was first created in the 1880s by the A.J. King Company in Louisville. The company perfected a method to refine corn into a sweet, viscous syrup using sulfur dioxide bubbles to extract impurities. This process produced a light golden syrup with a delicate, sweet corn flavor.
The Kings syrup brand grew steadily in popularity over the next several decades. By the 1950s, Kings accounted for over half of all retail pancake syrup sales in the South. The company promoted it as a specialty Southern syrup and emphasized its Kentucky origins.
In 1960, A.J. King Company was acquired by the Maryland-based () Corporation. () continued making Kings syrup for the next two decades at the plant in Louisville. However, in the 1980s, production started to decline in the face of stiff competition from national brands like Aunt Jemima and Mrs. Butterworth’s.
In 1985, () sold the Kings syrup brand to Borden, Inc. Borden eventually discontinued Kings syrup a few years later in 1992. This marked the end of over 100 years of production.
Why Did Kings Syrup Production End?
There are a few key reasons why Kings syrup production ultimately ceased after over a century on the market:
– **Changing tastes** – In the 1980s and 90s, pancake syrup preferences shifted toward thinner, maple-flavored syrups. Thick, corn-based syrups like Kings declined in popularity.
– **Competition from large brands** – Major national brands like Aunt Jemima, Mrs. Butterworth’s, and Log Cabin dominated shelf space and marketing. Kings syrup struggled to compete.
– **High production costs** – Making corn syrup requires extensive processing and refining. This made it expensive compared to high fructose corn syrup.
– **Consolidation of syrup companies** – Many regional syrup brands were bought out and consolidated under large food corporations. This led to declining variety in syrup options.
– **Transition of ownership** – Kings changed parent companies multiple times, from A.J. King to () to Borden. The brand lost its local Kentucky identity.
Revival Efforts
Despite Kings syrup production ending in 1992, there have been a few attempts to revive the classic brand in recent years:
– In 2012, a businessman in Louisiana acquired the trademark and began working to bring back Kings syrup. However, his efforts did not result in any new syrup reaching the market.
– In 2015, the [] Corporation in Virginia announced plans to reintroduce Kings syrup. The company purchased original syrup kettles from the Louisville plant and set out to replicate the classic formula. As of 2023, the company now produces small batch Kings syrup for limited retail distribution.
– Some former employees from the Louisville plant have shared memories and original Kings syrup recipes online to preserve the history. Enthusiasts have used these recipes to make homemade versions.
– Several stores and restaurants in Louisville continue to pay homage to Kings syrup by offering it on pancakes and waffles. However, these are small batches made following the original formula, not mass-produced new Kings syrup.
So while full-scale production of Kings syrup has not returned, there are a few nostalgic brands and food establishments keeping its memory and special flavor alive to this day.
Key Characteristics of Kings Syrup
What exactly made Kings syrup stand out from other syrups on the market? Here are some of its defining characteristics:
– **Ingredients** – Made from corn syrup refined with sulfur dioxide, Kings had a clean, pure corn taste compared to competitors adulterated with flavorings and preservatives.
– **Consistency** – Kings syrup had a noticeably thick, rich consistency compared to mass-produced thin pancake syrups today. This gave it more body and a pleasant mouthfeel.
– **Sweetness** – With its simple corn syrup base, Kings had a mellow sweetness in contrast to the cloying sweetness of high fructose corn syrup-based brands.
– **Color** – Its light golden hue stood out next to darker brown syrups. The light color highlighted its clean corn flavor.
– **Regional roots** – As a Louisville-based brand, Kings represented a true Southern syrup with Kentucky origins. Its popularity spread across the South and Midwest.
– **Vintage appeal** – Kings syrup invokes nostalgia for old-fashioned breakfasts. Its classic glass bottle and retro logo added to its vintage charm.
These unique traits made Kings a beloved staple in many households during its long production history. While it ultimately met its demise like many regional brands, its qualities resonated with generations of pancake lovers.
Where to Find Kings Syrup Today
While Kings syrup is no longer made in mass quantities, you can still seek it out today:
– **Online vendors** – A few specialty online retailers offer Kings syrup produced in limited batches by [] Corporation in Virginia. The $12-15 bottles are sold out frequently due to high demand.
– **Local Louisville shops** – Some Louisville stores and restaurants carry their own small batches of Kings syrup produced following the original formula and methods. However, it is often irregularly stocked and sells out fast.
– **Homemade versions** – Using the original Kings syrup recipes shared by former employees online, some people concoct their own homemade versions. This allows them to enjoy its one-of-a-kind flavor.
– **Vintage bottles** – Collectors may occasionally come across unopened vintage Kings syrup bottles from the 1960s-80s for sale online or at antique shops and flea markets. Expect to pay a premium price though!
– **Alternative corn syrups** – Steen’s and Portswood are two other corn syrup brands with a similar old-fashioned taste and texture profile as Kings for pancakes. But they lack the exact original Kings flavor.
While difficult to find, Kings syrup remains a nostalgic gem worth seeking out for history buffs, vintage brand enthusiasts, and those craving an old-fashioned syrup taste. A bottle of the golden original Kings brings you straight back to Sunday morning breakfasts generations ago.
Trying to Recreate the Kings Syrup Experience
For those longing for the authentic taste of Kings without access to the limited remaining bottles, it is possible to recreate a close approximation at home:
**Ingredients**
– 2 cups corn syrup
– 1/4 tsp maple flavoring (or vanilla extract)
– 1/8 tsp lemon juice
– Pinch of salt
**Instructions**
1. Pour corn syrup into a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add maple flavoring (or vanilla), lemon juice, and salt. Warm over medium-low heat until just combined, about 2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool 5 minutes.
4. Transfer to a glass container or bottle and refrigerate.
5. Serve chilled over pancakes or waffles to enjoy Kings-style!
The simple corn syrup base mimics the mellow sweetness and thick syrupy texture. The maple and lemon add facets similar to Kings’ proprietary blend of flavors. While not an exact replica, this recipe captures the spirit of the original Kentucky-born syrup. Bring back sweet memories at the breakfast table!
The Legacy of Kings Syrup
Though Kings syrup can no longer be found lining grocery shelves, it left behind a rich legacy spanning over a century:
– It immortalized the signature sweet, corn-forward flavor that defined Southern-style syrup for generations. Modern corn syrup brands owe a debt to the Kings flavor profile.
– The brand was proud of its Kentucky roots and formed a close association with Louisville culture and identity.
– Its vintage glass bottle designs and retro logo became icons of Southern breakfast tables for decades.
– Kings syrup inspired fierce brand loyalty passed down across multiple generations who have nostalgic attachments to its taste.
– Even today, Kings represents a feel-good symbol of old-fashioned Sunday morning breakfasts with pancakes dripping in syrup.
– Food enthusiasts still celebrate its legacy by seeking out remaining bottles and using original recipes to recreate the flavor. Kings persists as a one-of-a-kind syrup.
So while Kings syrup has not been produced now for over 30 years, its cultural impact perseveres. For those lucky enough to taste the original syrup, Kings will always hold a special place at the breakfast table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Kings syrup:
Is Kings syrup made anymore?
No, Kings syrup is no longer made by any major company. Production ceased completely in 1992 after the brand changed ownership multiple times. However, small specialty batches are still made by a couple companies on a limited basis.
Where was Kings syrup originally made?
Kings syrup originated in Louisville, Kentucky starting in the 1880s. It was made there for over 100 years by the A.J. King Company and subsequent acquirers until production halted in 1992.
Is Kings syrup still made in Louisville?
There is no longer large-scale production of Kings syrup in Louisville or anywhere else. However, some Louisville-based restaurants and stores do offer small batches of locally-made Kings syrup on a limited basis using the original formulas and methods.
Why did Kings syrup go out of business?
Kings syrup declined due to changing consumer preferences, stiff competition from national brands, high production costs, and loss of its local identity after ownership changes. These factors made the historical brand unsustainable.
Where can you buy original Kings syrup today?
Limited amounts of Kings syrup are available online from specialty retailers and sometimes small Louisville shops. Due to very low supply, it sells out quickly and often has long waitlists. Vintage bottles may also be found but can be expensive.
Conclusion
Kings syrup holds a special place in the history of Southern breakfast fare and culture. While no longer commercially produced, its legacy persists through limited runs, homemade versions, and the nostalgic memories of generations of pancake lovers. For those craving its unique corn-forward flavor, replica recipes and alternative corn syrups come close to recapturing the Kings syrup experience. Kings may be gone, but it will never be forgotten as an iconic and cherished Southern brand.
