Castle & Key Bourbon 750ML

Castle & Key Bourbon 750ML is a 6-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV) in a 750ml bottle. Recognized with Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition and a Double Platinum from the ASCOT Awards, this expression showcases what happens when heritage distilling meets modern grain science at one of Kentucky's most storied distillery sites.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50.5% (101 Proof)  |  Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky  |  6-Year Age Statement  |  Distillery: Castle & Key Distillery

Production & Heritage

Castle & Key Distillery occupies the grounds of the historic Old Taylor Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, originally built in 1887 by Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. The property was restored and relaunched by Will Arvin and Wes Murry, with Marianne Eaves—widely recognized as Kentucky's first female master distiller in modern history—leading the whiskey program during its formative years. The bourbon's mashbill of 73% white corn, 17% malted barley, and 10% rye stands apart from most Kentucky bourbons; the malted barley content runs roughly 70% higher than the state average, contributing enzymatic complexity and a biscuit-like sweetness. White corn, sourced from Walnut Grove Farms in southwestern Kentucky, was selected for its milder, more delicate character. The distillate enters barrels at 107 proof after a six-day fermentation cycle—double the industry standard—allowing deeper flavor development before the spirit begins its six years of aging.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Graham cracker and butterscotch arrive first, followed by honeysuckle, red apple, and a wisp of clove. A baseline of caramel and honey holds the aromatic structure together.

Taste: The entry is bright with golden raisin and light citrus, transitioning at mid-palate to toffee, praline, and baking spices. Cinnamon builds gradually, joined by orange zest and molasses toward the peak.

Finish: Cinnamon spice carries forward and merges with toffee and graham cracker. Candied orange peel and a touch of butterscotch linger as the 101-proof warmth slowly fades.

How to Drink Castle & Key Bourbon

At 101 proof, the bourbon handles a single large ice cube without losing structure, though neat or with a few drops of water opens up the citrus and honeysuckle aromatics. In an Old Fashioned, the pronounced graham cracker and toffee character pairs naturally with orange bitters. A Bourbon Sour benefits from the bright citrus thread and high proof, which keeps the whiskey assertive against fresh lemon juice. In a Manhattan, the cinnamon spice and golden raisin complement sweet vermouth without fading into the background.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast exploring Kentucky's craft distillery revival
• After-dinner sipping alongside pecan pie or dark chocolate
• Building a home bar with distinctive, higher-proof Kentucky bourbon
• Hosting a tasting flight comparing different mashbill styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Castle & Key Bourbon taste like? Castle & Key Bourbon leads with graham cracker, toffee, and golden raisin, followed by cinnamon baking spice and candied orange peel. The 101-proof backbone delivers warmth without overwhelming the sweeter, fruit-forward notes.

How does Castle & Key Bourbon compare to Maker's Mark? Castle & Key uses a rye-inclusive mashbill with an unusually high 17% malted barley, while Maker's Mark is a wheated bourbon known for softer, gentler sweetness. The result is that Castle & Key leans spicier with more pronounced baking spice and citrus complexity, while Maker's Mark tends toward vanilla and caramel.

Is Castle & Key Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes—the 101-proof strength and six-year age statement provide enough body and complexity for neat drinking. A few drops of water can unlock additional honeysuckle and citrus aromatics hidden beneath the higher proof.

Where is Castle & Key Bourbon made? Castle & Key Bourbon is distilled and aged at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, on the restored grounds of the historic Old Taylor Distillery, originally constructed in 1887.

What foods pair well with Castle & Key Bourbon? The toffee and cinnamon notes complement pecan pie and apple cobbler. Dark chocolate intensifies the molasses undercurrent. Aged cheddar or Gruyère plays well against the graham cracker sweetness. Smoked pork benefits from the bourbon's baking spice warmth and higher proof.

What sizes does Castle & Key Bourbon come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Castle & Key Bourbon worth the price? Castle & Key positions as a premium craft bourbon with a six-year age statement, 101-proof strength, and a distinctive grain bill featuring 17% malted barley. Its combination of an unconventional mashbill and extended fermentation delivers complexity that competes favorably with established Kentucky distilleries in the same price tier.

Why Castle & Key Bourbon?

Castle & Key stands out for its uncommonly high malted barley percentage—17% versus the roughly 10% Kentucky average—which gives the bourbon a biscuit-like depth uncommon in the category. The six-day fermentation cycle, double the industry norm, builds flavor complexity before the distillate ever touches oak. Having earned Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition and a Double Platinum at the ASCOT Awards, this expression has gained serious critical recognition alongside a growing following among bourbon enthusiasts. For drinkers seeking a Kentucky bourbon that charts its own course rather than echoing legacy brands, Castle & Key delivers a genuinely distinct flavor profile rooted in one of the state's most historically significant distillery properties.