The path less traveled can make all the difference. In this case, we’ve forged our own. By sourcing Canadian barley malt from Alberta, peated barley from the United Kingdom, and American white oak barrels crafted in Kentucky, this memorable malt whiskey delivers notes of fresh-pressed apple cider, custard, vanilla wafer, and smoked almond. Our cask strength whiskey walks the line between delicate and bold, constructing an original flavor profile that embodies the pioneering pursuit of innovation.

Honoring History and Challenging Tradition

Housed on the former site of the historic Old Taylor Distillery, Castle & Key is a testament to reinvention. Amid these turreted ruins, we restored a distillery for the modern age, inspired by the glorious past of Kentucky bourbon and dedicated to its bright future. Every drop of this spirit is made within the castle walls, crafted with care from still to barrel to bottle.

Finished Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Although many of our spirits are guided by tradition, we enjoy letting our minds wander. Our Experimental Series consists of intentional small batches, always bottled at cask strength. This series offers the chance to test boundaries with unique barrel finishes, blends, and mashbills. These bootlegs are rare by design, so share with purpose.

Mashbill: 63% Rye, 17% Corn, 20% Malt

Years Aged: 3

Blended In: 2025

Barrel Batch: 0345

Introducing Castle & Key’s first whiskey. Restoration Rye was barreled in 2016 and bottled in 2020. Each batch of our Restoration Rye Whiskey is blended using a series of pods. Each pod is created by grouping barrels to create a specific sensory profile.

Castle & Key restored the historic Old Taylor Distillery, erected in 1887, with a new vision and promise. The awakening of this legendary bourbon icon enables us to create captivating spirits and endearing memories. We craft our spirits with carefully selected grains and a unique barrel regimen to thoughtfully produce distinct spirit to our exacting standards. Come raise a glass with us!

Bourbon whiskey is as old as America itself, and the African American contribution to the craft goes back just as far: it was enslaved black men who operated the stills at George Washington’s distillery, after all. But the story of these black distillers – from the voices at Mount Vernon to the voices of skilled tradesmen in the hills of Kentucky who have shaped the industry as it grew – is largely absent from the archival history of American Whiskey. A powerful and necessary story that has to be told. That’s changing. It’s about time.

As African Americans gain recognition in the distillation field, we’re dedicated to uncovering and telling the stories from generations past. The conversation has started; we’re here to keep it moving. We see that as part of our responsibility as distillers – to see to it that the historical narrative honors all who took part. We are on a mission to untap the research, to tell the untold stories. Because if there’s one thing that goes well with a bottle of Bourbon, it’s the tale of where it came from.

Brack Beverly was born enslaved, but his journey to freedom is a testament to resilience and determination. He played a significant role in the history of Kentucky and the bourbon industry. Not knowing how to read or write, Brack enlisted as a Union soldier in the 12th U.S. Regiment Heavy Artillery organized at Camp Nelson. Post-war, his expertise in agriculture proved invaluable as he worked many years helping to perfect the art of bourbon-making

As a freed man, Brack dedicated his life to mastering the craft of distilling and worked as a mash hand until his passing in 1913. It’s no secret that working with the mash is critical competent of the distilling process. Brack’s story, along with his family members, who saved as firemen, coopers, leak hunters, and more, are a part of the rich history of KY pioneers.

Today, we honor Brack Beverly and countless other African Americans who played a vital role in shaping the legacy we celebrate. By sharing their stories, we pay tribute to their ingenuity and unwavering spirit. Let us raise our glasses high in honor of their legacies and continue to preserve their untold stories for future generations.

Our latest Woolgatherer is our Rye Whiskey finished in Amburana barrels, which is the perfect accompaniment to cooler weather. Sit by a crackling fire with good friends and enjoy this newest offering with notes of gingersnap and pomegranate. Close your eyes and daydream.

As the season begins to change and the leaves turn colors of crimson, amber, and golden yellow, we find ourselves reaching for spirits that warm the soul. Our next release of Woolgatherer is a celebration of that change with a warm and vibrant Rye Whiskey finished in Red Vermouth Barrels. It is rich with notes of molasses raisin, dried cranberry, and toasted marshmallow. Close your eyes and daydream.

Rye 63%, Corn 17%, Malted Barley 20%

Our team is always exploring our senses for inspiration in the world around us. This new iteration of The Woolgatherer was sparked by a chance encounter with a Spanish orange wine, vino de Naranja. This experience led us to work with our partner, Speyside Cooperage, to source a barrel that once held this orange wine. We then filled the used barrel with our Restoration Rye Whiskey hoping that it would impart many of the qualities we adored from the vino de Naranja. After over a year, we were pleased to find that it granted onto our rich, sweet, and spice-full rye whiskey a beautiful overlay of a dreamy orange creamsicle. Close your eyes and daydream.