Bold New Expressions Showcase Seven-Year Wheated Bourbon and Straight Rye Finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks
FRANKFORT, KY – November 5, 2025 – Castle & Key Distillery, one of Kentucky’s most historically rich and design-forward distilleries, proudly announces the debut of two exceptional 2025 cask strength releases: the Castle & Key Wheated Bourbon Cask Strength (54.1% ABV; $59.99–$64.99 SRP, 750ml) and the Castle & Key Straight Rye Finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks (58.05% ABV; $64.99–$69.99 SRP, 750ml).
The Wheated Bourbon Cask Strength, now aged seven years, continues Castle & Key’s legacy of craftsmanship and earned Double Platinum at the 2025 ASCOT Awards. Crafted from a mash bill of 73% locally grown non-GMO white corn, 10% winter wheat, and 17% malted barley, this release marks a new milestone for the distillery that began releasing aged spirits in 2020.
The Experimental Series Straight Rye, finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks for 18 months, offers a daring new take on rye whiskey with only 1,800 cases produced. Each expression showcases Castle & Key’s pursuit of innovation, blending time-honored techniques with creative exploration.
“Although many of our spirits are guided by tradition, we enjoy letting our minds wander,” said Brett Connors, Master Distiller at Castle & Key. “Our experimental series offers the chance to test new boundaries, with unique barrel finishes, blends and mashbills. These are rare by design and only 1,800 cases were produced of the Straight Rye Finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks.”
TASTING NOTES
Castle & Key Wheated Bourbon Cask Strength 2025 Edition
(54.1% ABV; $59.99–$64.99 SRP, 750ml)
- Mashbill: 73% white corn, 10% winter wheat, 17% malted barley
- Nose: Oatmeal raisin cookie, vanilla frosting, baked peach, candied pear, orange peel, lilac, soft cinnamon
- Palate: Almond pastry, butterscotch, macaroon, baking chocolate, dried cranberry, craisin, clove, marigold
- Finish: Raw brown sugar and roasted walnut leading into leather and French toast
“Our wheated bourbons are a reflection of patience, precision, and the evolving character of our barrels,” adds Connors. “The 2025 edition showcases the richness and depth of our wheated mash bill and is a reimagining of our flagship bourbon. It brings forward deep notes of oatmeal raisin cookie, baked peach, lilac, soft cinnamon, and a finish that speaks to the quality of our aging program. This was crafted at our castle to enjoy at yours.”
Castle & Key Straight Rye Finished in Extra Old Haitian Rhum Casks
(58.05% ABV; $64.99–$69.99 SRP, 750ml)
- Mashbill: 63% rye, 17% corn, 20% malted barley
- Nose: Brûléed banana, charred thyme, cream cheese frosting, jasmine, dried pineapple, demerara sugar, vanilla bean, cinnamon
- Palate: Fruitcake, blackstrap molasses, plum hibiscus, rum raisin, fried plantains, black cardamom, clove
- Finish: Currants, anise, cigar wrap, lingering dark sugar
Both releases are now available online at CastleAndKey.com for shipping to CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MO, NY, OH, SC, TN, TX, and WI, with the Wheated Bourbon Cask Strength also available at the Castle & Key Distillery Shop in Frankfort, KY.
ABOUT CASTLE & KEY
Located on the historic site of the Old Taylor Distillery (est. 1887), Castle & Key Distillery represents the rebirth of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. Revitalized in 2014 by Co-Founder Will Arvin, the site has become a leading destination for whiskey enthusiasts and history lovers. Guided by Master Distiller Brett Connors, Castle & Key produces a growing portfolio that includes Bourbon, Restoration Rye Whiskey, Sacred Spring Vodka, and Roots of Ruin Gin. The distillery’s unique blend of tradition and innovation continues to shape the next generation of Kentucky spirits.
Visit CastleAndKey.com or follow @CastleandKey on Instagram for updates, releases, and tour information.
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