Castle & Key is a distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, occupying the historic and beautifully restored Old Taylor Distillery, originally built in 1887 by Colonel E.H. Taylor. This Small Batch Wheated Bourbon serves as my introduction to the brand, so let’s dive in.

This whiskey is aged for five years and features a mashbill of 73% white corn, 10% white winter wheat, and 17% malted barley.

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Nose: vanilla, honey, and grain

Palate: Baking spices, vanilla, subtle nuttiness, and nutmeg

Finish: light cinnamon, grain, and pepper notes

ABV: 50% | Cost: $60

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I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about this whiskey. My first few sips were a definite no, but after giving it some time to open up in the glass, my opinion began to change. If you’re planning to sample this bourbon, I highly recommend letting it sit for a bit before diving in.

Initially, it felt rough around the edges, with grain and pepper notes dominating the profile. Surprisingly, the longer it rested, the more those flavors seemed to come together and find their balance.

After some time, the dram mellowed considerably, revealing pleasant notes of vanilla, nuttiness, nutmeg, and cinnamon. What started as an easy pass gradually became, “Hey, this isn’t bad at all.” That transformation was one of the most intriguing aspects of this pour. As it breathed, a new level of complexity emerged, creating a much more cohesive and enjoyable experience.

That said, this whiskey won’t be for everyone. While I appreciated the evolution of flavors and the patience it rewarded, it’s probably not a bottle I’ll actively seek out again. However, the experience was compelling enough that I’m interested in exploring other expressions from them. There’s clearly a thoughtful approach behind what they’ve created here, and that’s something I can appreciate.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend people to try it and make up their own minds.