Castle & Key Joins The Kentucky Distillers’ Association

Castle & Key Distillery in Woodford County has joined the Kentucky Distillers’ Association as its 43rd member. The association, which is a nonprofit trade group, unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Castle & Key co-founders Will Arvin and Wes Murray purchased the historic Old Taylor Distillery in 2014 and began a multi-year restoration effort that culminated in its 2018 grand opening.

“We’re thrilled to be joining the KDA and will be seeking a spot soon on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour,” Arvin said in a prepared statement. “We’ve appreciated the leadership of Eric Gregory and his team at the KDA in championing Kentucky’s signature industry around the world, and we look forward to working alongside all other members of the organization.”

Production of Bourbon and rye whiskey, gin and vodka began in 2016 with the addition of three continuous column stills. Their current collection includes Restoration Kentucky Rye Whiskey, Slow Hands Single Barrel Rye Whiskey, Sacred Spring Vodka, Roots of Ruin Gin, and Rise — a seasonal spring gin.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory said Castle & Key showed a deep commitment to the preservation of Kentucky’s Bourbon heritage through Castle & Key’s investment in the restoration of the historic distillery.

“We have had a great relationship with the Castle & Key team from its beginning, and we are equally thrilled to welcome them into our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers,” Gregory said. “We look forward to adding Will’s insight and leadership to our trusted Board of Directors.”

The distillery is the association’s 15th heritage-level member, which is the highest rank for distilleries that age more than 50,000 barrels a year. That status grants the distillery an expanded leadership role in the management of the association and the future of the landmark industry.