As I gear up for the Bourbon Country Burn next weekend—a three-day cycling event through the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country—my pours will be from distilleries along the route. The Burn is a unique combination of cycling and bourbon, with stops at some of the most iconic distilleries in the Bluegrass State. This week’s pours will serve as a preview of what’s to come during the ride.
Castle & Key is one of the most visually striking distilleries on the Bourbon Trail, but its significance goes beyond aesthetics. Originally founded in 1887 by Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr., as the Old Taylor Distillery, this site was built with the intention of becoming more than just a place to make whiskey. Taylor envisioned a destination distillery—a grand, castle-like structure surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, meant to impress visitors and elevate bourbon’s reputation. He saw the potential for bourbon to be considered among the finest spirits in the world, and the Old Taylor Distillery was his way of showcasing that vision.
The distillery thrived for years but fell into disrepair after Prohibition. For decades, it sat abandoned, a forgotten relic of Kentucky’s rich whiskey history. In 2014, partners Will Arvin and Wes Murry took on the monumental task of restoring the site to its former glory. They not only brought the distillery back to life but also honored its heritage by incorporating modern techniques with the same care and attention to quality that Taylor once championed. Today, Castle & Key stands as a testament to both history and innovation, blending old-world charm with new-world craftsmanship.
Their small-batch bourbon production focuses on using Kentucky-grown grains and limestone-filtered water, with a commitment to carefully aging each batch to perfection. The standard 100-proof Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey from 2023 reflects this dedication, offering a smooth and approachable pour.
On the nose, you’re met with notes of caramel, dried fruit, and a hint of toasted oak. The palate is rich, with flavors of vanilla, sweet corn, and baking spices, rounded out by subtle herbal notes that give the bourbon complexity. The finish is warm and lingering, with a perfect balance of oak and spice that makes this bourbon an easy sipper, especially at 100 proof.
For anyone participating in the Bourbon Country Burn this weekend, Castle & Key is a stop worth the effort. Nestled at the bottom of a steep ravine, it’s a challenging ride, but the beauty of the distillery and the quality of the whiskey make it more than worth it.
Distillery:Castle & Key Distillery Mash Bill: Undisclosed Age: No Age Statement Proof: 100 (50% ABV) Release Date: 2023 Availability: Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon, available at the distillery and select retailers
Distillery: Not indicated, bottled by Neeley Family DistilleryMash Bill: Wheated bourbon (exact ratios not disclosed)Age: 6 YearsProof: 106.2 (53.1% ABV)Availability:
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