Kentucky-based Castle & Key Distillery has unveiled two new expressions: a Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon aged for seven years and a Straight Rye Finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks. The new bottlings represent an older age statement for the distillery’s wheated bourbon and the latest release in its experimental series.
The Castle & Key Wheated Bourbon Cask Strength is now aged for seven years, an increase of two years from previous editions. It is bottled at 54.1% ABV and has a suggested retail price (SRP) between US$59.99 and US$64.99 for a 750ml bottle.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
This 2025 edition recently received a Double Platinum honor at the ASCOT Awards.
Brett Connors, master distiller at Castle & Key, said: “Our wheated bourbons are a reflection of patience, precision, and the evolving character of our barrels.”
“The 2025 edition showcases the richness and depth of our wheated mash bill and is a reimaging of our flagship bourbon,” Connors added. “It brings forward deep notes of oatmeal raisin cookie, baked peach, lilac, soft cinnamon, and a finish that speaks to the quality of our aging program.”
The bourbon’s mashbill is composed of 73% white corn, 10% winter wheat, and 17% malted barley.
Must Read Stories
Official tasting notes from the brand describe an almond pastry and butterscotch palate, with a finish of raw brown sugar and roasted walnut.
The second new release is the Castle & Key Straight Rye Finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks. This expression is part of the distillery’s experimental series, which focuses on unique barrel finishes, blends, and mashbills.
“Although many of our spirits are guided by tradition, we enjoy letting our minds wander,” said Connors. “Our experimental series offers the chance to test new boundaries.”
The rye whiskey was finished for 18 months in the rum casks and is bottled at a cask strength of 58.05% ABV.
Production is limited to 1,800 cases, with an SRP of US$64.99-US$69.99.
Its mashbill contains 63% rye, 17% corn, and 20% malted barley.
According to the brand’s official notes, the palate offers flavors of fruitcake, blackstrap molasses, and fried plantains, leading to a finish of currants and anise.
Castle & Key operates on the site of the historic Old Taylor Distillery in Frankfort, which was originally founded in 1887. The modern distillery began releasing its own aged spirits in 2020.
The brand introduced its first cask-strength bourbon in 2024 and released a six-year-old small-batch bourbon earlier in 2025, signaling a continued focus on older age statements in its portfolio.
Both new expressions are available for purchase online at castleandkey.com with shipping to 15 U.S. states. The Wheated Bourbon is also available at the distillery’s gift shop in Frankfort, Kentucky.
