in minutes presents Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon Batch 1 bottled at 49% ABV, mash bill: 73% white corn, 17% malted bar — a $50/750ml bottle but reselling for around $300/750ml expression that merits close attention.
Nose
Opens with aromas of the fall: sweet caramel corn, hay, and baking spices. The aroma is moderate in strength and quite appealing. As it opens in the glass, floral notes unfurl into fresh rose and geranium. On the palate, it opens more savory than the sweet aromas would suggest. Theres a meaty character like rare roast beef over more notes of sweet caramel and butter toffee. The mouthfeel comes off as peppery with a gentle astringency. I enjoy the lingering warmth and buttery caramel note which morphs into a hint of herbal bitterness on finish that is quite pleasant. With a dash of water, the aromatics take on a maple sugar and cola spice note. This is quite pleasant. Theres promise to Castle & Key if this is their first release! The Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon Batch 1 is delicious with intriguing and unusual aromatics that elevate it above sweeter or more bombastic whiskies on the market. The length of the finish leaves a bit to be desired as do the cohesiveness of the aromatics. I think its an excellent first release and look forward to new releases with more age as the years progress.rnrnBest of luck securing a bottle of Batch 1 as it sold out at the distillery in minutes. Fortunately, subsequent batches are available for a more reasonable entry fee.
Palate
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Verdict
Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon Batch 1 delivers a thoroughly accomplished whiskey that justifies its $50/750ml bottle but reselling for around $300/750ml price point. It is well-crafted, balanced, and worthy of a place in any considered collection.
