When it comes to the production of Castle and Key Bourbon, there is a rich history and a team of dedicated individuals who pour their heart and soul into crafting this exceptional spirit. At the helm of this venture is none other than the Castle & Key Distillery, located at the historic Old Taylor Distillery in Millville, Kentucky.
The story of Castle & Key begins with its revival of a once-forgotten gem, the Old Taylor Distillery. This iconic establishment was originally built by Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. in the late 1800s and produced some of the finest bourbons of its time. After nearly five decades of inactivity, the distillery was brought back to life by the visionary duo, Marianne Eaves and Will Arvin.
Marianne Eaves, a master distiller, and her team are the driving force behind the creation of Castle and Key Bourbon. With a passion for the craft and an unwavering commitment to quality, Marianne embarked on a journey to revive the legacy of this historic distillery. She meticulously oversees every step of the bourbon-making process, ensuring that each drop of Castle and Key Bourbon is a testament to the traditions and expertise of Kentucky distilling.
At Castle & Key, the production of their bourbon starts with the careful selection of the finest grains, sourced locally from the heartland of Kentucky. Corn, malted barley, and rye are skillfully combined to create the perfect mash bill, setting the foundation for a distinctive flavor profile that defines Castle and Key Bourbon.
Once the grains have been selected and the mash bill is prepared, the next step is the fermentation process. In large cypress fermentation tanks, the magic happens as yeast is introduced to the mash. Over the course of several days, the yeast consumes the sugars, converting them into alcohol and giving the bourbon its unique character.
After fermentation, the liquid is distilled in the towering copper stills that adorn the Castle & Key Distillery. These impressive stills, combined with the expertise of the distillers, allow for the careful extraction of the spirit’s desirable flavors and aromas, while leaving behind impurities.
But the journey doesn’t end there. A critical step in bourbon production is the aging process, during which Castle and Key Bourbon matures to perfection. The distillery is home to numerous rickhouses that shelter the barrels of bourbon as they patiently rest and interact with the charred oak, acquiring rich flavors and a smooth finish.
When the time is right, the skilled team at Castle & Key expertly selects and blends the aged bourbon barrels to create the final product. This meticulous process ensures that every bottle of Castle and Key Bourbon delivers a consistent and exceptional experience to whiskey enthusiasts around the world.
The commitment to quality, the passion for the craft, and the desire to revive the legacy of the Old Taylor Distillery all come together under the guidance of Castle & Key to create a bourbon that is truly remarkable. With each sip, you can taste the history, the dedication, and the artistry that make Castle and Key Bourbon a standout in the world of spirits.
So, the answer to the question, “Who makes Castle and Key Bourbon?” is quite simply an incredible team led by Marianne Eaves, working diligently at the Castle & Key Distillery to produce a bourbon that embodies the spirit of Kentucky.
