Castle & Key Small Batch is a six-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon from the historic former Old Taylor Distillery, made from 73% white corn, 10% rye and 17% malted barley and bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV).
Castle & Key revived the historic Old Taylor Distillery site in Kentucky and began distilling again in 2016, using modern Vendome copper stills alongside some of the original open-topped fermenters. Small Batch Bourbon was first introduced in 2022 as a four-year-old; this release adds two more years of aging and a few points of proof. Each small batch is tasted and bottled at the proof the distillers find best suited.
It keeps the brand's lively summer fruit, citrus and orange character, with age adding deeper notes of graham cracker, caramel and baking spice over toasted oak.
The teal-and-gold castle label makes it a handsome gift.
Bourbon must be made in the United States from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak containers, and straight bourbon must be aged at least two years. Those rules give bourbon its characteristic sweetness, with caramel and vanilla drawn from the charred barrels.
Straight bourbon must age at least two years in new charred oak.
White corn gives a slightly softer, sweeter spirit than yellow corn.
Serve it neat in a Glencairn glass.
A splash of water opens up the citrus and fruit.
It makes a lively Gold Rush with honey and lemon.
It is a great gift for Kentucky history fans.
Tasting Notes
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Fruit: Summer fruit, citrus, orange.
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Sweet: Graham cracker, caramel.
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Finish: Baking spice, toasted oak.
Specifications
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Distillery: Castle & Key (former Old Taylor Distillery), Kentucky
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Style: Kentucky straight bourbon, small batch
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Mash Bill: 73% white corn, 10% rye, 17% malted barley
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Age: 6 years
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Proof / ABV: 101 proof (50.5% ABV)
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Region: Kentucky, USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Perfect for sipping neat, over ice, or as the base of a timeless cocktail like an Old Fashioned. It pairs with peach cobbler, grilled pork or aged cheddar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is it?
Six years.
Where is it made?
At the historic former Old Taylor Distillery in Kentucky.
What is the mash bill?
73% white corn, 10% rye and 17% malted barley.
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
