Castle & Key and Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild Launch The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4
FRANKFORT, KY, June 3, 2025 – Castle & Key Distillery, a leading producer of Kentucky’s craft spirits, in partnership with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild (KBBG), proudly announces the release of The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4 (52% ABV; $175 SRP). This is the fourth release in the distillery’s exclusive limited-edition series, with only 204 bottles available.
All proceeds from this release will fund scholarships to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in the distilling industry. Purchase options include online at castleandkey.com or a limited number at the Castle & Key 502 retail store in Louisville, Kentucky.
A Celebration of Culture and Bourbon at SoulFeast Week
Castle & Key will debut The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4 at a special ticketed dinner kicking off SoulFeast Week, a vibrant celebration of culture, cuisine, and community in Lexington, KY. The Chitlin’ Circuit Farm to Table Dinner, presented by the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, is set for June 19, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Coleman Crest Farm, Kentucky’s first Black-owned USDA Certified Organic farm.
Tickets ($120 each) include:
- A farm tour
- A multi-course dinner by James Beard Award Semifinalist Chef Isaiah Screetch
- Live entertainment
- An exclusive first look at the new bourbon, with the opportunity to purchase a bottle on-site
Reservations are required.
The Unique Craftsmanship of Chapter 4
The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4 is a true single barrel bourbon offered at cask strength, crafted with Hickory King Corn, an heirloom varietal with deep roots in Kentucky’s whiskey-making history. Castle & Key partnered with Walnut Grove Farms to sustainably cultivate this treasured grain, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Tasting Notes for Chapter 4
- Mashbill: 73% Hickory King Corn, 10% Kentucky Grown Rye, 17% Malted Barley
- Barrel Entry Proof: 107
- Nose: Baked brown sugar, snickerdoodle, marcona almond, dried apple, date, grape must, nutmeg
- Palate: Dark honey, fig jam, assam tea, thyme, black cardamom, cracked black pepper
- Finish: Front sweetness, building into toasted brown bread
Note: Bottle labels and design were generously donated by Stranger & Stranger and Eurostampa.
Honoring Dallas Peters and Bourbon’s Hidden Voices
Each release in the Untold Story series highlights the overlooked contributions of African Americans to Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. This year’s narrative, researched and written by historian Kayla Bush, tells the story of Dallas Peters, a Black man from Millville, Kentucky, born in 1892.
“Featured on each iteration’s label is a chapter that serves as a historical narrative to promote conversations around the aspects of how African-Americans have contributed to the spirits industry,” says historian Kayla Bush. “The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4 tells the story of Dallas Peters, a Black man from Millville, Kentucky, whose life intertwined with bourbon and the social struggles of an era marked by prejudice. Honoring his legacy reminds us of the need to amplify silenced voices, celebrating a heritage built by many.”
Peters, connected to the bourbon industry through his marriage into Brack Beverly’s family, worked behind the scenes at the Old Taylor Distillery (now Castle & Key). Despite systemic barriers preventing Black workers from holding the title of “distiller,” Peters played a vital role. His legacy was marred by a false accusation of barrel theft, later revealed to be a scheme by others.
A Commitment to Diversity and Education
Castle & Key’s partnership with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild underscores a shared mission to foster inclusivity in the distilling industry.
“At Castle & Key we fully support The Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild in its mission to improve access and education within the distilling industry,” says Will Arvin, Co-Founder海岸 of Castle & Key. “The fourth release in the Untold Story series represents our commitment to inspiring a new generation of distillers and working with local partners such as KBBG, Walnut Grove Farms and SoulFeast Week who share our bold and independent spirit.”
The KBBG is dedicated to breaking down barriers in the bourbon industry.
“Bourbon is a nine billion dollar industry in Kentucky and yet less than one percent of those within it reflect our community,” says Robert Beatty, Lexington entrepreneur and founder of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild. “The Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild exists to change that. Our mission goes beyond bourbon. KBBG is rooted in access, education, and equity. We equip our members with the tools to navigate and thrive within the spirits industry—while dismantling the systemic barriers that have historically excluded us. We’re not here just to enjoy bourbon. We’re here to claim our place in its legacy, shape its future, and ensure that ownership, opportunity, and representation reflect the full spirit of Kentucky.”
About Castle & Key Distillery
A Legacy Reborn
Castle & Key, located on a historic site dating back to 1887, is celebrated as the birthplace of bourbon hospitality. In 2014, Co-Founder Will Arvin began restoring the Old Taylor Distillery, transforming it into a premier destination for spirit enthusiasts and history lovers. The distillery blends historic architecture with modern innovation, featuring expansive gardens designed by Jon Carloftis.
Craft Spirits and Innovation
Led by Head Blender Brett Connors, Castle & Key’s blending team produces high-quality spirits, including:
- Annual releases of Bourbon, Restoration Rye Whiskey, Sacred Spring Vodka, and Roots of Ruin Gin
- Limited-time, seasonal, and distillery-only exclusives
For more details on Castle & Key’s offerings, tours, and tastings, visit CastleAndKey.com or follow @CastleandKey on Instagram.
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