A Little Background

Wes Murray and Will Arvin became partners in restoring the Old Taylor Distillery in 2014 and forming what is now known as Castle and Key. Taking up Colonel Taylor’s helm the team at Castle and Key aims to not only provide an amazing product but ensure their products are the best available by doing things the thoughtful way and not the easy way.

Mashbill: 73% White Corn / 10% Rye / 17% Malted Barley
Location: Frankfurt, Kentucky
Age: 4 Years
Proof / ABV: 99 / 49.5%
Retail Price: $50

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Goldenrod

Nose

Light floral, sweet corn, hint of baked bread and a touch of rye spice

Palate

Sweet creamy vanilla, buttery popcorn, and spice

Finish

Rye spice, char and oak

In closing

The Castle and Key Small Batch Bourbon Batch 2 is very well done and accurately priced at $50. I would highly encourage anyone to pickup a bottle as an easy sipping whiskey that really outperforms other highly sought after bottles.

The nose is inviting with aromas of baked bread and spices that really entice the drinker. The palate is the real star of the show because of its great oily viscosity mixed with the powerful flavor of vanilla and buttery popcorn. The finish is long and has more heat than I would have expected from the proof but is not off putting in any way. The rye gives a tingle on the tongue while the char and oak mingle quite well as the heat settles in the chest. An aftertaste of clove and aroma subtle floral come back as the finish continues to linger which can dry out the palate at times which just means it’s time for another sip.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Castle and Key. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.