Castle & Key: A Historic Gem On The Kentucky Bourbon Trail®

Settled in the heart of Kentucky’s Bourbon country, Castle & Key Distillery is not just a destination for spirits enthusiasts but also a gateway to history, beauty, and craftsmanship.

From its history driven past to its modern revival, the distillery blends together tradition and innovation in a way that few others can. Whether you’re exploring the beautiful grounds, attending one of their lively events, hosting your private event there, or sipping their expertly crafted Bourbon, Castle & Key offers a truly immersive experience!

I had the pleasure of visiting while recently on an amazing trip with Visit Woodford County in Versailles, KY. One of our stops was this distillery where we explored it all including the grounds, cocktail bar, history, and more. Castle & Key’s roots date back to 1887 when it was first founded as the Old Taylor Distillery by Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., one of the early pioneers of Bourbon. Colonel Taylor envisioned a distillery that not only produced premium whiskey but also rivaled the grandeur of European castles. His vision materialized with the construction of a limestone castle and gardens creating a space that was as much a destination for visitors as it was for Bourbon production. Now because of prohibition the distillery did go into disrepair and changed owners quite a bit overtime.

This property is a whopping 113-acre property and is like walking into a different era. The meticulously restored castle sits at the center of the estate, overlooking lush gardens designed in that “European style”, complete with fountains and greenery for miles. The limestone here is key and The distillery’s springhouse is constructed from local limestone, which serves as the source of their water, adding a unique terroir to every bottle of Bourbon they produce. Whether you’re an architecture buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Castle & Key’s grounds offer something for everyone!

Bourbon and Craftsmanship

At the core of Castle & Key’s allure is their carefully crafted Bourbon. Using traditional techniques with a modern twist, the distillery produces small-batch spirits that are true reflections of Kentucky’s whiskey heritage. Every bottle is crafted with an eye toward quality, from the selection of local grains to the distillation process using their copper pot still.

Castle & Key also focuses on sustainability and innovation, incorporating progressive farming practices to source the best ingredients for their Bourbon. They offer several expressions of Bourbon, each showcasing the unique flavors and rich complexity that can only be achieved through patient aging and expert blending.

I got the chance to taste their Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey which they kindly greeted us with in our rooms! Each pod is a series of barrels so you’re always possibly getting another batch which is really cool and very unique to their style. This Bourbon whiskey is smooth, spice driven, and has subtle fruit and caramel which intertwine perfectly with the minerality and elegance felt from the limestone abundant water source.

We got an inside look into the aging room where we thieved some aging whiskey from the barrel and wow was it amazing! They also produce a Gin which is amazing in cocktails, as well as when we visited The Stave, they made us a delicious cocktail using Castle & Key. I ordered a specialty fall cocktail made by their mixologist from the Bourbon Whiskey special for this trip!

In addition to its whiskey, Castle & Key has made a name for itself by hosting live events that bring people together in celebration of Bourbon and Kentucky’s rich culture. From seasonal festivals to intimate cocktail classes, there’s always something happening on the distillery’s calendar.

Their Barrel Cutting and Release parties are particularly popular, offering guests a behind-the-scenes look at the aging process and an opportunity to sample limited-edition Bourbons straight from the barrel. Music lovers can enjoy outdoor concerts set against the backdrop of the castle and it’s absolutely breathtaking, while foodies might be drawn to their pairing dinners featuring local chefs and culinary artisans.

Their team is not only driven by experts but they have an entire team dedicated to hospitality and events!

"Whether you’re attending a lively event, wandering the gardens, or visiting for a cocktail and tour, there’s a magic to Castle & Key that makes every visit memorable. If you find yourself on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, this distillery should be at the top of your list."

Sara Jimenez

Featured Author: Sara Jimenez

Read more from Sara Jimenez on her website, somminthecity.com. Or keep in touch with her on Instagram @somminthecity.