Castle & Key Distillery has announced the release of its latest Experimental Series bottling: Castle & Key Straight Rye Finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks.

Castle & Key’s Experimental Series offers the chance to test new boundaries, with unique barrel finishes, blends, and mashbills. Castle & Key Straight Rye Finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks was distilled from a mashbill of 63% rye, 17% corn, and 20% malted barley, aged in new oak, then finished for 18 months in rhum casks and bottled at 58.05% ABV (116.1 proof).

Castle & Key Straight Rye Finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks is described as having aromas of “bruleed banana, charred thyme, cream cheese frosting, jasmine, dried pineapple, demerara sugar, vanilla bean, and cinnamon.” The palate exhibits notes of “fruitcake, blackstrap molasses, plum hibiscus, rum raisin, fried plantains, black cardamom, and clove.” It finishes with “currants, anise, cigar wrap, and lingering dark sugar.”

Castle & Key Straight Rye Finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks is limited to 10,800 bottles and carries a suggested retail price of $64.99-$69.99 (750 mL).

Source: Castle & Key.

Castle & Key Distillery has announced the release of Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon 2025 Edition.

Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon 2025 Edition was distilled from a mashbill of 73% white corn, 10% winter wheat, and 17% malted barley, aged for seven years, and bottled at 54.1% ABV (108.2 proof).

Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon 2025 Edition is described as having aromas of “oatmeal raisin cookie, vanilla frosting, baked peach, candied pear, orange peel, lilac, and soft cinnamon.” The palate exhibits notes of “almond pastry, butterscotch, macaroon, baking chocolate, dried cranberry, craisin, clove, and marigold.” It finishes with “raw brown sugar and roasted walnut, leading into leather and French toast.”

Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon 2025 Edition is available at the distillery shop in Frankfort, KY and online at castleandkey.com. It carries a suggested retail price of $64.99-$69.99 (750 mL).

Source: Castle & Key Distillery.

Castle & Key Distillery has announced that early applications are now open for its new membership program: The Key Collective.

Key Collective members will gain access to rare and limited edition spirits, exclusive in-person and online events, behind-the-scenes experiences, and additional perks.

Interested applicants can apply for an individual plan ($299 / quarter or $999 annually) or a family plan ($425 / quarter or $1499 annually). Limited spots are available for the initial enrollment period.

For more information and to apply for membership, visit keycollective.vip.

Source: Castle & Key Distillery.

Castle & Key Distillery has announced the release of Castle & Key 6 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon.

Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon was first introduced as a 4 year old expression in 2022. The 6 year old release was distilled from the same mashbill of 73% white corn, 10% rye, and 17% malted barley and is bottled at 50.5% ABV (101 proof).

Castle & Key 6 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon is described as having aromas of “graham cracker, butterscotch, red apple, honeysuckle, and clove.” The palate exhibits notes of “molasses, golden raisin, golden apple, toffee, orange zest, praline, and cinnamon.” It finishes with “shortbread tailing off into candied orange peel, cacao nib, and white pepper.”

Castle & Key 6 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon is available at the distillery in Frankfort, KY, Castle & Key 502 retail store in Louisville, KY, and online at castleandkey.com for $39.99.

Source: Castle & Key Distillery.

Castle & Key Distillery, in partnership with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild (KBBG), has announced the release of The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4.

The limited edition series spotlights the untold stories of black communities interwoven with Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. Chapter 4 tells the story of Dallas Peters, a black man from Millville, Kentucky who played a pivotal role behind the scenes at the Old Taylor Distillery, now Castle & Key.

Born in 1892, Peters married into Brack Beverly’s family, linking him to a lineage of African Americans who contributed significantly, yet often invisibly, to America’s native spirit. At the time, Black workers were barred from holding the title of “distiller” or participating openly in alcohol production. Despite this, Peters played a pivotal role behind the scenes at the Old Taylor Distillery, now Castle & Key. His legacy was clouded by a false accusation of barrel theft—a scheme later revealed to be the work of two others, who were later convicted.

The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4 was distilled from a mashbill of 73% Hickory King Corn, 10% Kentucky grown rye, and 17% malted barley and barreled at 107 proof. After aging for an undisclosed amount of time, the single barrel was bottled at 52% ABV (104 proof).

The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4 is described as having aromas of “baked brown sugar, snickerdoodle, marcona almond, dried apple, date, grape must, and nutmeg.” The palate exhibits notes of “dark honey, fig jam, assam tea, thyme, black cardamom, and cracked black pepper.” It finishes with “front sweetness, building into toasted brown bread.”

The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4 is limited to only 204 bottles and is available for purchase online at castleandkey.com, with a limited number of bottles available at the Castle & Key 502 retail store in Louisville, Kentucky. 100% of revenue will be donated to scholarship funds that support diversity, inclusion, and equity within the distilling industry.

Source: Castle & Key.

Castle & Key Distillery has announced the completion of Phase 1 of a major solar energy project as part of its ongoing sustainability initiatives. The $2 million investment was supported by the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant, a federal initiative aimed at helping rural small businesses transition to renewable energy sources, reduce energy costs, and enhance American energy independence.

Castle & Key’s solar energy system is installed at the distillery’s Versailles Warehouse in Woodford County, Kentucky, and is designed to provide a substantial portion of the distillery’s energy needs. The first phase of the project, which is now complete, covers 20,950 square feet and features 754 solar panels, generating 407.16 kW DC and 400 kW AC. The entire system will cover 63,350 square feet, generating 960kW AC.

Castle & Key is currently using 25 percent of its total solar production capacity. The remaining excess power is sold back to Kentucky Utilities as a green power source for the community to power homes, businesses, and facilities. On average this will equate to 270-350 homes in the community based on average power usage.

Castle & Key plans to continue expanding its renewable energy efforts and Phase 2 is anticipated to begin spring of 2025. The second phase will include the installment of more solar panels and ongoing work with responsible partners including Walnut Grove Farms, Saverglass, Malteurop North America, Speyside Cooperage, and Eurostampa.

Source: Castle & Key.

Castle & Key Distillery has announced the launch of Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon, the oldest age-stated product from the distillery to date and the second wheated bourbon in its portfolio.

Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon was distilled from a mash bill of 73% locally grown non-GMO white corn, 10% winter wheat, and 17% malted barley and barreled at 107 proof. After seven years, 109 hand selected barrels that were laid down within the distillery’s inaugural year of production were married and bottled at 52.9% ABV (105.8 proof).

Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon is described as having aromas of “orange zest, brûléed peach, pound cake, and baked nutmeg.” The palate exhibits notes of “pastry dough, red apple, black pepper, mango, walnut, and white sage.” It finishes with “oatmeal cinnamon cookie with lingering dried cherry and chai.”

Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon will be available in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas City, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington State, and Wisconsin for a suggested retail price of $60.

Source: Castle & Key.

Castle & Key Distillery and GiantMouse Knives have collaborated to release a limited edition box set featuring a Castle & Key Distiller’s Blade paired with a corresponding numbered bottle of Castle & Key Single Barrel Bourbon.

Only 100 sets with black titanium handle scales, a sleek dark PVD-finished steel blade, and copper details on the backspacer and pivot collar will be available for purchase at the distillery shop ($400). An additional 100 numbered sets ($325) with blue anodized titanium handle scales, a stonewashed steel blade, and similar copper accents will be available for purchase on castleandkey.com and giantmouse.com beginning August 24th.

Castle & Key will be hosting a “Meet the Maker” release event at the distillery retail shop on Saturday, August 23rd from 10:30 am-4:00 pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the team behind the collaboration – GiantMouse CEO Jim Wirth, Co-Designer Jesper Voxnaes, and Castle & Key Lead Blender Brett Connors – and the first opportunity to purchase a limited edition box set.

Source: Castle & Key.

Castle & Key Distillery has announced its first-ever bourbon release, Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey Batch #1, will be available starting on March 26th at Castle & Key Distillery for $50.00, followed by the release of Batch #2 in early May.

Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey 2022 Batch #1 features a mash bill of 73% white corn, 10% rye, and 17% malted barley and is a blend of 80 barrels that have been aged 4 years and bottled at 98 proof (49% ABV). Batch #1 is described as having aromas of “honey, golden raisin, brown butter, orange blossom, baked nutmeg, and stone fruit,” with notes of “toffee, bread dough, dates, baking spice, and toasted almonds” on the palate, concluding with “cinnamon and allspice” on the finish.

Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey 2022 Batch #2 features a mash bill of 73% white corn, 10% rye, and 17% malted barley and is a blend of 80 barrels that have been aged 4 years and bottled at 99 proof (49.5% ABV). Batch #2 is described as having aromas of “rye bread, dry cinnamon, pine resin, red apple peel, and barn wood,” with notes of “burnt sugar, dried fig, cracked pepper, and cherry wood” on the palate, concluding with “charred oak and molasses” on the finish.

Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey Batch #1 and Batch #2 will be sold throughout the states of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Photo credit: Castle & Key.
Source: Castle & Key.

Castle & Key Distillery has launched a series of Restoration Rye Single Barrels to be released every Thursday and Sunday beginning now through Sunday, December 12, except for the week of Thanksgiving.

Castle & Key will release two single barrel bottle labels, Black and Gold. Restoration Rye Single Barrel Black Labels will be picked by the Castle & Key team and sold on site at the distillery. Restoration Rye Single Barrel Gold Labels will be selected by retailers, restaurants, and enthusiast groups throughout key markets where Castle & Key products are sold.

Castle & Key Single Barrel Black Label Information:

Barrel No. 1529 – Releasing Thursday, November 11th
Described as having “baking spice, mint, and apple” aromas, with notes of “baking spice, brown sugar, and leather” on the palate, concluding with “mint, toffee, and nutmeg” on the palate. Bottled at 59.55% ABV (119.1 proof).

Barrel No. 250 – Releasing Sunday, November 14th
Described as having “floral, baked apple, caramel, and cinnamon” aromas, with notes of “toffee, rye bread, and allspice” on the palate, concluding with “cinnamon, cedar, and pepper” on the finish. Bottled at 58.45% ABV (116.9 proof).

Barrel No. 259 – Releasing Thursday, November 18th
Described as having “herbal, oak, white pepper, and ash” aromas, with notes of “brown sugar, peanut, tobacco, and raisin” on the palate, concluding with “gingerbread and anise” on the finish. Bottled at 58.55% ABV (117.1 proof).

Barrel No. 355 – Releasing Sunday, November 21st
Described as having “baked bread, oak, sage, and green fig” aromas, with notes of “brown sugar, mint, and nutmeg” on the palate, concluding with “toast and clove” on the finish. Bottled at 57.8% ABV (115.6 proof).

Barrel No. 1238 – Releasing Thursday, December 2nd
Described as having “floral, baked apple, allspice, and honey” aromas, with notes of “brown sugar, dark chocolate, and dates” on the palate, concluding with a “sweet, allspice, and mineral” finish. Bottled at 59.65% ABV (119.3 proof).

Barrel No. 1497 – Releasing Sunday, December 5th
Described as having “caramel, allspice, stone fruit, and green melon” aromas, with “savory” notes and “clove, apricot, and honey” on the palate, concluding with “cacao powder, figs, and black pepper” on the finish. Bottled at 63.2% ABV (126.4 proof).

Barrel No. 1534 – Releasing Thursday, December 9th
Described as having “baked apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and toffee” aromas, with notes of “brown sugar, toffee, cinnamon, and nutmeg” on the palate, concluding with “mint, baked cinnamon, and allspice” on the finish. Bottled at 59% ABV (118 proof).

The Castle & Key Restoration Rye Single Barrel Black Labels will be available at the distillery for $64.99 and reservations will be required to redeem a bottle. For more information and to make a reservation, visit castleandkey.com.

Photo credit: Castle & Key.
Source: Castle & Key.