Review: Castle & Key The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey, Chapter 1

In recent times, whiskey manufacturers like Uncle Nearest have helped to focus on the vital function African Individuals have performed within the lengthy historical past of American whiskey manufacturing. With its newest launch, The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey, Chapter 1, Citadel & Key Distillery is doing its half to honor that historical past and promote range and inclusion within the business. However they’re additionally going one step additional, as proceeds from the whiskey shall be used fully to fund a scholarship for future distillers of shade. And this isn’t only a one-time deal. Launched in partnership with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, the whiskey will return every year for one more “chapter” with every launch telling one other story in regards to the contribution of African Individuals to the spirits business. Per Citadel & Key:

“As distillers and admirers of American whiskey, it’s our duty to share the historical past of how the spirit got here to be,” says Will Arvin, Co-Founding father of Citadel & Key. “We’re honored to have partnered with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild to amplify these untold tales and to launch this vital scholarship fund. Our hope is to amplify the varied historical past of our business and to help a extra equitable future for potential distillers.”

“With this program we hope to encourage a brand new technology of distillers and to problem the conventions of the previous,” says Jonathan Newton, Director of Gross sales. “We hope to include extra of this historic narrative into the expertise at Citadel & Key, and we hope that this initiative conjures up extra of this vital work all through the business.”

The Untold Story is a mix of straight whiskeys (reportedly solely two barrels) aged 4.5 years. It consists of Citadel & Key’s rye whiskey and their very first bourbon, which is made out of a mashbill of 73% white corn, 10% rye, and 17% malted barley. Let’s test it out.

The nostril exhibits loads of rye components with a brilliant, peppery spice, dry grasses, and Bit-O-Honey candies. Because it opens within the glass, notes of corn emerge, creamed and buttery, with a little bit of peanut brittle and a candy, mildly tart trace of fresh-squeezed lemonade. The palate is delicate however showcases a honeyed sweetness and a delicate, warming warmth. Notes of sweet apple, clover honey, and extra peanut brittle meld right into a medium-length end of toasted oak and cinnamon candies. As first “chapters” go, this one exhibits a number of promise.

106.6 proof.

B+ / $150 / castleandkey.com

Citadel & Key The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey, Chapter 1

$150

Ranking

8.5/10

About Submit Writer

Drew Beard

Drew Beard is Assistant Editor and Social Media Supervisor for Drinkhacker. He has studied and written about beer, whisk(e)y, and different spirits since he first began consuming them, incomes a number of booze-related benefit badges alongside the best way, together with Licensed Specialist in Spirits and Government Bourbon Steward. Along with his work with Drinkhacker, Drew can be Spirits Editor for Santé Journal. A recovering Federal authorities worker, he’s pleased to have lastly discovered a profession the place it’s acceptable to drink on the job.