Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon 2022 (Batch 2)

I love the Great Gatsby style bottle. The contents - well, $50 for 4 years seems to be a new and irritating entry price for craft bourbon. That said, it beats the pants off of 2 year Peerless bourbon. Trying to pre-benchmark this is still challenging though. For a young bourbon my expectations are not high. The nose is BIG rye and big-ish oak. Caraway, red-hots cinnamon candy, allspice, floral notes, light vanilla, pumpernickel and oak. There is a slight confectioner sugar, and stale bubble gum note that I tend to get from Wild Turkey 101. The initial spice notes make me think of a four roses single barrel. So far there’s nothing not to like. Heavier body than expected but still quite spicy. There is plenty of vanilla, allspice, nutmeg and even a bit of new leather. The oak is really tied to a strangely mineral and sweet element - sort of like floral/clover honey. Honestly it’s a bit funky and the earthy/floral note is hard to place but really unique and interesting (reminds me of Willett 4 year rye but not quite a black tea and mint note). The finish remains rather hot but lengthy and satisfying - those same sweet clover and earthy notes really hang on while the spice fades out. I will say, the closest thing to a flaw is a slightly soapy note between the sip and the finish but it doesn’t stand out and could be related to my hearty consumption of gyros for dinner. I’m pleasantly surprised by this and owe Castle & Key a tip of my glass. I don’t want to hype this - because for stupid, allocated, Kentucky bourbon fever reasons this is apparently already hyped. Regardless, it’s quite good and worth every penny paid. Youth be damned, this is an interesting and slightly daring pour. It’s not one that the faint of palate will enjoy neat due to the spice and sting but the funky undertones are just what this needs to set it apart. This gets a rare 4.0 for south a young bourbon but I’ll stand by it. Just drink it and don’t ogle over the bottle or try to flip it - lest someone club you over the head with it and walk away with their money and your bourbon.

Listen here… This liquid absolutely bangs. Do yourself a favor and don’t go to Castle & Key and don’t buy this bourbon so I can continue to go there and spend my life savings on it while supplies last. I only give it a 4.75 because maybe, possibly there’s something out there that is actually better, but my smooth brain probably can’t comprehend the possibility of that and most likely will never experience such a tingle of the tongue.

Glencairn/Neat Nose: sweet corn, sharp/ethanol, mint Taste: caramel, butter, erhanol, peanut butter Finish: long barrel charr This was a nexk pour for me, but tgis cane off very sharp. The pro was it was a nice long finish and good bite but the flavors didnt pop out for me. Ice added I just taste barrel char… im hoping after tge me k pour it get ls better but this was tough at first sip

It's pretty good, I wasn't a huge fan off the initial neck pour, but it seems to be tasting better as it goes. Still tastes young, much grass/hay, but plenty of classic oak, caramel, and vanilla to go around and delightfully smooth. The finish is quite long, leaves me wanting more. Don't hunt this down, but if you see it, it's worth a look. I would rate it a must try.

A little hot on the nose still while being 1/4 of the way in the bottle. Lots of rye and spice on the nose. Lighter mouth feel than nose. Cinnamon and caramel, with vanilla and a lovely allspice finish. Finishes with a strong Kentucky Hug. Big fan for a new project. Solid. Would love about 3-5 more of these.

This was the smoothest of the 3 whiskeys on the Castle and Key whiskey fight at the distillery. It’s very balanced yet unremarkable. Slight hint of vanilla in aroma, little burn, slightly sweet