Raw grain | Cap’n Crunch | Turkish Delight | Fruit Stripe gum | Anise | Malty | Fragrant & complex

Caramel | Light Rye Spice | Loads of malt

Rye spice | Malty | Medium length

Castle & Key Distillery was constructed in 1887, and after a long period of ruin has been on the radar of many bourbon enthusiasts since their revival and return to distilling in 2014. A truly magical distillery grounds that transports you in time, Castle & Key Distillery is a destination that should be on the top of every bourbon enthusiasts’ list who happens to be anywhere near Frankfort, Kentucky.

Technically the 5th batch so far (the first batch was released in 2020, and each year their batch numbering restarts at “1”), Restoration Rye 2021 Batch 3 opens with an absolutely fantastic nose, deep in complexity with the perfect amount of intensity. As it transitions to the palate however, it becomes more singularly focused, with a surprising focus on malt - despite being a rye whiskey - that carries into the finish. And despite being over three years old, the whiskey is still fairly grain-forward. This isn’t bad per se, as it’s tasty in its current form, and I would love to see its taste reach the height of its aroma, but still has a ways to go. I’m excited for the future of this line and Castle & Key as a whole.