In 2014, Castle and Key stepped onto the scene and took ownership of the old Taylor Distillery located in Frankfort, Kentucky. This historic facility had seen better days, but Castle and Key saw its potential and embarked on a mission to restore and revive it to its former glory. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have followed Castle and Key's journey closely, eagerly anticipating the day when their first batch of bourbon would be ready.
When Castle and Key took over the old Taylor Distillery, it was in a state of disrepair. The buildings and equipment had aged, and the distillery had fallen silent for quite some time. However, Castle and Key saw the opportunity to breathe new life into this iconic establishment. They embarked on an extensive restoration project, meticulously refurbishing the buildings and upgrading the equipment to modern standards.
Throughout the restoration process, Castle and Key was also busy making and aging bourbon. They understood the importance of time and patience when it comes to crafting exceptional spirits. Bourbon, after all, requires a minimum of two years of aging in charred oak barrels to be considered straight bourbon. This meant that Castle and Key had to wait patiently for the first batch to reach its full potential.
And finally, the day arrived when Castle and Key announced that their inaugural batch of bourbon was ready. As a fervent enthusiast of bourbon, I could feel the excitement in the air. Castle and Key's dedication to preserving the distillery's heritage while infusing it with their own innovative spirit was commendable.
I had the opportunity to taste Castle and Key's first batch of bourbon, and it was nothing short of exceptional. The attention to detail in the production process was evident in every sip. The bourbon had a beautiful amber hue, indicating its years spent maturing in the oak barrels. The aroma was a delightful balance of caramel, vanilla, and oak, enticing me to take my first sip.
Upon tasting, I was greeted with a symphony of flavors. The bourbon was rich and smooth, with notes of caramel, toffee, and a hint of spice. The oak imparted a subtle smokiness that added depth to the overall profile. It was evident that Castle and Key had put their heart and soul into crafting a bourbon that paid homage to the distillery's legacy while incorporating their own unique touch.
Castle and Key, a passionate and dedicated team, purchased the old Taylor Distillery in 2014. They embarked on a journey to restore and revive this historic establishment, and after years of hard work, their first batch of bourbon is finally ready. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Castle and Key's commitment to quality and craftsmanship shines through in every bottle.