Castle & Key recently announced a new partnership with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild to form the Diversity in Kentucky Distilling Scholarship program. And the partnership comes with a release of a new whiskey, of which the sales will support the scholarship.
Castle & Key’s latest expression, The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey, Chapter 1, just launched and 100 percent of the sales of the new whiskey will support the diversity scholarship program.
“As distillers and admirers of American whiskey, it is our responsibility to share the history of how the spirit came to be,” said Will Arvin, Co-Founder of Castle & Key, in a prepared statement. “We are honored to have partnered with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild to amplify these untold stories and to launch this important scholarship fund. Our hope is to amplify the diverse history of our industry and to support a more equitable future for prospective distillers.”
Castle & Key will release annual “chapters” of The Untold Story, with each iteration telling another aspect of how African Americans have contributed to whiskey.
“With this program we hope to inspire a new generation of distillers and to challenge the conventions of the past,” said Jonathan Newton, Castle & Key director of sales. “We hope to incorporate more of this historical narrative into the experience at Castle & Key, and we hope that this initiative inspires more of this important work throughout the industry.”
The Diversity in Kentucky Distilling Scholarship was established at the Blue Grass Community Foundation and supports scholarships for students of color who have interest in working in the distilling field in Kentucky. The scholarship provides a $5,000 award that is renewable for one additional year of study.
“The Castle & Key Untold Story Series of Kentucky Whiskey is not just American heritage within a bottle. This special release rightfully connects African American contributions to that very Americanism going back to the dates of slavery,” said Mike Adams, vice president of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild. “Make no mistake about it, this project boldly confesses a truth that most have been reluctant to merely utter aloud. Our organization is proud to work with such a courageous, forward-thinking, and fair organization as Castle & Key.”
More information about the scholarship and eligibility requirements can be found via the Blue Grass Community Foundation (BGCF). The scholarship opens for submission in January 2022 and closes in March. For more official information on the whiskey, check out below.
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- ABV: 53.3% or 106.6 proof.
- SRP: $149.99.
- Run: 425 bottles produced.
- Mash Bill: 73% White Corn, 10% Rye, 17% Malted Barley.
- Aroma: Full and complex with strong notes of toffee, baked apricot, and honey roasted peanuts rounded out with light floral, nutmeg, Meyer lemon and straw.
- Palate: Dark honey, peanuts, pie crust, dark chocolate pie, with subtle notes of black pepper and toasted tobacco.
- Finish: Medium bodied, medium finish with slight warming, low notes of cigar wrapper and charred wood.
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