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Learn MoreDiscover Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon, a reimagined masterpiece that combines tradition with innovation. Aged for five years and crafted with a mash bill of 73% white corn, 10% wheat, and 17% malted barley, this 99-proof bourbon showcases the unique character of wheated whiskey. The substitution of wheat for rye delivers a softer, sweeter profile, offering notes of shortbread, caramel frosting, and baked sugar cookies on the palate, complemented by hints of allspice and leather. The finish is warm and creamy with a touch of sweet tea, making it both approachable and complex. Perfect for sipping neat or enhancing your favorite cocktail, this small-batch bourbon is a testament to Castle & Key's dedication to crafting premium spirits with a modern twist.
Process & Profile
Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon is carefully distilled using a mash bill of 73% white corn, 10% white wheat, and 17% malted barley. The incorporation of wheat instead of rye creates a softer, more nuanced flavor profile. Distilled to 135 proof and barreled at a low entry proof of 107, the bourbon is aged for five years in 53-gallon, #4 char barrels in Castle & Key's historic Warehouse B. This approach ensures optimal interaction with the wood, adding depth to the spirit. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 99 proof (49.5% ABV), this bourbon retains its natural flavors and textures.Tasting Notes
- Nose: A delightful bouquet of caramel, cherries, and baking spices, accented by hints of vanilla, persimmon, and subtle floral undertones.
- Palate: Creamy and smooth with prominent notes of shortbread, roasted cashews, and caramelized sugar. Subtle hints of leather, dried apricots, and grains add complexity, with a touch of citrus zest for balance.
- Finish: A medium-bodied, sweet finish with lingering hints of dark honey, black tea, and a light peppery warmth, leaving a smooth, satisfying feel.
What Makes It Special
- Innovative Mash Bill: The substitution of wheat for rye delivers a softer, sweeter bourbon with a creamy texture, ideal for those who enjoy smoother whiskeys.
- Historic Craftsmanship: Produced at the historic Old Taylor Distillery, Castle & Key showcases a legacy of Kentucky bourbon-making combined with modern techniques.
- Low Barrel Entry Proof: A rare low entry proof enhances the bourbon's ability to extract richer flavors from the oak barrels during aging.
- Attention to Detail: Non-chill filtration ensures the preservation of natural flavors and aromas for an authentic bourbon experience.
How to Enjoy
Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon is versatile and enjoyable in various ways:- Neat or on the Rocks: Revel in the whiskey's natural complexity and creamy texture.
- Cocktails: Perfect for classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, where its smooth, sweet profile shines.
- Pairing: Pair with desserts such as pecan pie or chocolate truffles to enhance its caramel and nutty notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon?
Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon is a Kentucky straight bourbon that uses wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye, creating a softer and sweeter flavor profile. It is crafted with 73% white corn, 10% white wheat, and 17% malted barley, aged for at least five years, and bottled at 99 proof with a focus on small-batch craftsmanship.
What makes it a "wheated" bourbon?
Instead of rye, wheat is used as the secondary grain in the bourbon's mash bill, which contributes to its mellow, round sweetness with notes of caramel, vanilla, and subtle spice. This distinguishes it from traditional rye-based bourbons, which tend to be spicier.
What are the key flavors of this bourbon?
Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon offers a flavor profile of caramel, cinnamon, vanilla, and subtle oak, complemented by hints of butterscotch and graham cracker. It finishes with lingering notes of cinnamon and dried fruit, delivering a moderately long, smooth experience.
How is Castle & Key's distillation process unique?
Castle & Key prides itself on producing bourbon from scratch, sourcing high-quality, locally grown grains and using Vendome stills for modern distillation. Their aging process employs barrels with longer-than-average seasoning and customized charring levels, ensuring exceptional quality and a distinct flavor in every batch.
What proof is Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon?
This bourbon is bottled at 99 proof (49.5% ABV), striking a balance that enhances its flavorful complexity while remaining approachable for a wide range of bourbon enthusiasts.
How does Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon compare to other bourbons?
As a wheated bourbon, it is softer and sweeter than rye-based bourbons, offering a smoother drinking experience. Its flavor profile evokes a balance of sweetness and spice, making it ideal for both bourbon newcomers and seasoned drinkers looking for a refined, approachable spirit.
What are some pairing or serving recommendations?
This bourbon is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic bourbon-forward cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. The soft sweetness and slight spice also make it an excellent pairing for desserts like pecan pie or dishes featuring caramelized flavors.
Where is Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon made?
It is produced at Castle & Key Distillery, located at the historic Old Taylor Distillery site in Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery combines traditional methods with modern techniques to honor its rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of craft bourbon.
Is this bourbon a limited release?
Yes, Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon is typically released in small batches with limited availability. Each batch is crafted to highlight unique qualities, and bottles often sell out quickly, making it a sought-after addition to any collection.
What sets this bourbon apart from others?
Castle & Key emphasizes quality through every step, from grain sourcing to barrel selection and aging. The use of white winter wheat, meticulous craftsmanship, and a focus on creating harmonious flavor profiles make Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon a standout choice for bourbon enthusiasts.
Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch Bourbon: Frequently Asked Questions
What does "wheated" actually mean, and how does it change the taste?
Every bourbon is at least 51% corn by law. The remaining grain is the distiller's choice, and most reach for rye, which brings pepper, mint and a dry, spicy bite. A wheated bourbon swaps that rye for wheat, which contributes almost no spice at all. What you get instead is a softer, rounder, faintly bready sweetness and a gentler finish. It is the same difference you would notice between a rye cracker and a slice of white bread. If you want the full comparison, our guide to wheated vs. high-rye bourbon walks through both styles side by side.
Is this a good bourbon for someone who has never liked bourbon?
It is one of the better ones, yes. The two things that put people off bourbon are proof burn and rye's peppery sharpness, and a wheated bourbon at moderate proof sidesteps both. We built a whole guide around this problem — bourbon for people who think they don't like bourbon — and Castle & Key's wheated release is in it. Start with a half-ounce pour, add three drops of water, and wait thirty seconds before tasting.
Who is Castle & Key and why does the distillery matter?
Castle & Key occupies the restored Old Taylor Distillery in Millville, Kentucky — the castle-like campus built by Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. in 1887, which sat derelict for decades before a restoration project brought it back. Taylor was the driving force behind the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act, so the site is genuinely significant to bourbon history. Our piece on the four laws that made bourbon covers Taylor's role in detail.
How should I drink it?
Neat in a Glencairn or small tulip glass is where the character shows best — the softness of the wheat is easier to notice without ice numbing it. A few drops of water opens it further. It also makes an excellent Old Fashioned, where the wheat keeps the drink from turning peppery, and it works well in a highball with soda if you want something long. What it does not need is a large ice cube; the proof is moderate enough that heavy dilution flattens it.
What food goes with it?
Wheated bourbon is the exception to the rule that bourbon and delicate food do not mix. It pairs genuinely well with roast chicken, pork loin, mushroom dishes and salmon, all of which would clash with a high-rye bottle. Soft and semi-soft cheeses work too. Our guide to bourbon at the dinner table explains why proof, not flavour notes, drives the pairing.
What else should I look at if I like this?
Two obvious neighbours. Makers Mark Bourbon 1.0L ($48.09) is the benchmark wheated bourbon and the reference point everyone compares against; and Weller Antique 107 Wheated Bourbon Whiskey ($134.99) is what wheated bourbon looks like at high proof, if you want the same grain profile with considerably more intensity. Browse the whole bourbon collection for the rest of the range.
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