Castle & Key Wheated
Greetings, fellow bourbon enthusiasts, curious sippers, tipplers, and the occasional whisky whisperer! Today, the illustrious Brown Water Review is not merely dipping a toe but rather cannonballing into the amber depths of Castle & Key's Small Batch Wheated Bourbon. Before we uncork the nectar of the gods (or at least of Kentucky), let's stroll down memory lane with a bit more swagger. Picture Castle & Key Distillery, not just nestled but boldly squatting in the verdant landscape of Kentucky, a place so steeped in bourbon lore it practically sweats whiskey. Resurrected from the architectural phoenix ashes of the historic Old Taylor Distillery, Castle & Key has burst onto the scene like a bourbon supernova. Guiding this revival like a bourbon-bending avatar was none other than Marianne Barnes, a veritable distilling diva and Kentucky's first female Master Distiller in the modern era. Her expertise isn't just crafting spirits; it's in bottling the essence of soul-stirring tales.
Now, let's talk turkey—or rather, wheat. Castle & Key's Small Batch Wheated Bourbon doesn't just whisper sweet nothings; it serenades the bourbon world's ear with the smooth tunes of Barry White. Unlike its rye-tinged cousins, which can sometimes nip at your taste buds like a swarm of disgruntled beavers (I know you're picturing a swarm of beavers now), wheated bourbons come across as softer, gentler, sweeter—like a love letter written in caramel. It's the difference between a gentle pat on the back and a Will Smith Oscars slap; both leave an impression, but you'll definitely have a preference. Crafted with a meticulous touch, this bourbon emerges from the still at a robust 135 proof, is barreled at an approachable 107 proof, and matured over five soulful years in the embrace of oak. With a mere 90 barrels making up the batch, each bottle at 99 proof is a testament to exclusivity and craft, promising a unique sipping experience that balances intensity with the tender whisper of wheat.
As you pour a glass of this wheated wizardry, you're met with a hue so golden it makes King Midas jealous. On the nose, you dive into an olfactory ocean of caramel and vanilla, where the usual suspects patrol the waters, occasionally tossing in oak and spice lifelines to keep the swimmers guessing.
The first sip greets your palate like an old friend who's just returned from a world tour with new stories and a questionable haircut—familiar yet mysteriously intriguing. The corn's sweetness bellies up to the bar first, quickly followed by the mellow smoothness that only wheat can muster. It's like an orchestra where every note hits in perfect harmony, and the conductor's swapped his baton for a lasso. Plus, there's the undeniable "father-in-law nod of approval," a coveted bourbon accolade if there ever was one.
As the journey wades on, butterscotch, cinnamon, and a teasing whisper of citrus zest crash the flavor fiesta, dancing on your taste buds like they've just won the bourbon lottery. When you thought the experience peaked, the finish stretches out long and warm, like a sunset that refuses to say goodnight, prompting the inevitable "Is it too early for another?" debate with yourself or with your father-in-law. Spoiler alert: It's never too early.
Castle & Key's Small Batch Wheated Bourbon isn't just a bourbon; it's a beacon of hope for the softer, subtler path in life, proving that sometimes, the road less rye-d can be the most rewarding. It's a liquid love letter to the daring souls who venture off the beaten path and a salute to the unsung beauty of wheat in a world that's a bit too obsessed with corn and rye.
So, here's to the wheat whisperers, the grain gurus, and the mash magicians at Castle & Key, who've spun humble grain into liquid gold. May your glasses always be brimming, your spirits ever buoyant, and your bourbon beautifully wheated. Until we meet again, keep sipping with sophistication, laughing in the face of prohibition, and cherishing every golden drop of this brown water marvel.
Cheers, The Brown Water Review
P.S. Gentleman, if you're looking to secure the father-in-law's approval for marrying their daughter, here's a foolproof strategy: Slam a bottle of Castle & Key's Small Batch Wheated Bourbon on the table with two glasses (more if it's an Italian family) and drink up. He'll for sure say, "hell yes!" This isn't just a bottle of bourbon; it's your ticket to becoming the son-in-law of legend. Remember, in the world of whiskey and weddings, the right bottle can make all the difference. So pour generously, and may your paths be forever wheated.
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 99 • Mashbill: 73% White Corn • 10% White Wheat • 17% Malted Barley • Aged: 5yrs • Price: $65
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 3 • Palate: 4 • Finish: 4 • Uniqueness: 4 • Value: 5 • Overall: 4
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 