Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon is an elegant, confectionery-forward Kentucky straight bourbon from the historic Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).
Castle & Key occupies the historic grounds of the Old Taylor Distillery, originally built by Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. in 1887. After decades of dormancy, the property was revived in 2014 by Will Arvin and Wes Murry, with distillation beginning in 2017. Originally formulated by former master distiller Marianne Eaves, this expression swaps spicy rye for soft white winter wheat, with a mash bill of 73% white corn, 17% malted barley and 10% white winter wheat, and a sweet mash fermentation.
By emphasizing white corn and soft wheat with an unusually high share of malted barley, the bourbon shifts away from heavy oak dryness toward a creamy, sweet, pastry-like profile with delicate fruit.
The burgundy label with its gilded springhouse artwork makes it a beautiful 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.
Tasting Notes
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Character: Creamy and sweet.
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Palate: Pastry and delicate fruit.
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Oak: Gentle, never dry.
Specifications
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Distillery: Castle & Key, Frankfort, Kentucky
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Style: Wheated Kentucky straight bourbon, small batch
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Mash Bill: 73% white corn, 17% malted barley, 10% white winter wheat
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Fermentation: Sweet mash
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Proof / ABV: 100 proof (50% ABV)
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Region: Kentucky, USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or with a splash of water, or make a soft, rich Old Fashioned. It pairs with fruit tarts, croissants or roast chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes it wheated?
White winter wheat replaces rye in the mash bill.
Where is it made?
At the historic Old Taylor site in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Who created the recipe?
Former master distiller Marianne Eaves.
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
