Castle & Key Announces First Ever Bourbon - Coming in Two Batches

Castle & Key has announced that after four years, they're ready to launch their Small Batch Bourbon in two batches appropriately titled Whiskey Batch #1 and Whiskey Batch #2. As you may know, this is the first bourbon release for Castle & Key since taking over and restoring the Old Taylor Distillery in 2014.

Will Arvin, Co-Founder and Owner of Castle & Key Distillery says:

We’re thrilled to announce the release of Castle & Key's first bourbon. We believe this debut stays true to our commitment of reimagining Kentucky spirits by identifying the best barrels for production each year based on quality, not consistency of flavor.

Batch #1 will be available starting on March 26th at Castle & Key Distillery for $50.00 and will be followed by the release of Batch #2, which will be available in early May. Both batches 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. Sadly, you'll notice Ohio is not on the list of states. 

Each batch is column distilled to 125 proof and followed by continuous pot still distillation to 135 proof, then enters the barrels at 107 proof.

The tasting notes are:

Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey 2022 Batch #1 

Nose: Honey, Golden Raisin, Brown Butter, Orange Blossom, Baked Nutmeg, and Stone Fruit 

Taste: Toffee, Bread Dough, Dates, Baking Spice, and Toasted Almonds 

Finish: Cinnamon and Allspice 

Size: 80 Barrels 

Age: 4 years

Proof: 98 (49% ABV) 

Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey 2022 Batch #2

Nose: Rye Bread, Dry Cinnamon, Pine Resin, Red Apple Peel, and Barn Wood 

Taste: Burnt Sugar, Dried Fig, Cracked Pepper, and Cherry Wood 

Finish: Charred Oak and Molasses 

Size: 80 Barrels 

Age: 4 years

Proof: 99 (49.5% ABV)

My Take

I could not be more excited for a bourbon release. Castle & Key was one of the first articles I ever did when I started the site in 2018. This first release is a huge accomplishment. I also appreciate that they waited 4 years before releasing. I can't imagine the pressure to put out a product when no revenue is coming in. This is a no doubt, pick it up as soon as you see it. I have high hopes this will be a great bourbon and the first step on, what will hopefully be, a long journey for Castle & Key. 

What do you think? Drop a note in the comments below. 

Source: Castle & Key