Castle & Key Restoration Rye 2021 (Batch 1)

Recalling a tasting from a few days ago, this expression surpasses both 2020 batches, though that's not a high bar. It still felt young, but at least showed a bit of intrigue and wasn't disagreeable. The texture leans towards substantial, which was quite pleasant. Abundant gentle rye notes, significant corn sweetness, and a good mix of oak-derived spices. Hints of peanut shells and mint. My initial thought was a 51% rye, but research indicates a grain bill of 63% rye, 17% corn, and a substantial 20% barley. It would be an excellent pick at $25. At the $30-35 range, I can justify supporting a local craft producer (especially when similar offerings are priced at $50-70). Unfortunately, it doesn't measure up to a $20 Rittenhouse, despite being smoother and potentially more appealing to a wider audience.

Castle & Key distillery, the renowned historic and beautiful grounds where E.H. Taylor bourbons were once made, prior to being left to decay and ruin in 1972. It was brought back to life in 2012, leading to a twice-yearly release of their Restoration Rye, with the 2021 bottling being the one sampled. Visually, it's pale, resembling "Hangover Pee" or "Just a Shade Darker than PBR." However, the nose reveals aromas of baking spices like cloves and pepper, alongside sweet wood. The initial sip unlocks an earthy flavor profile with notes of tobacco and coffee. The texture is oily and lingers, presenting tastes of pepper, nuts, and black tea leading to a crisp conclusion. This was thoroughly appreciated.

Smell- lemony aroma. Smells like lemongrass, similar to a piece of orange candy, and sweet tart. Quite a curious smell for a rye. Taste- lemon tart, a collection of flowers - maybe carnations? Powdered sugar and a little mint. End- a faster finish and if anything sweet tart and maybe green tea at the conclusion. Conclusion- a very curious rye. Different from the norm. Typically younger ryes are pungent and feature plenty of dill and/or mint. This leans more towards citrus, akin to a pleasing lemongrass on the nose and carries on with those floral notes. The conclusion is a bit uninspired, but this caught my attention, earning credit for being truly distinctive.

The nose has abundant nutmeg. There are some candied orange slices and mint mixed in there as well. Palate is filled with honey and clove. Brown Sugar and vanilla make an appearance as well as some lemon bar show up as well. It has a lot going on for such a young rye. Finish is shorter and has the tendency to fall off a little too quickly. This hurts it's overall score as the nose is interesting and the palate is a treat. There is a little oak and cinnamon but it is fleeting and drying.

Aroma: Orange peel, oak, brown sugar, with a subtle hint of rye. Quite straightforward. Taste: Abundant citrus notes, with lemon being prominent. Some orange peel and vanilla are present, along with a very faint rye note. It's definitely unique and leans towards the sweeter side.

I appreciate this bottle more now than after the first few tastings. It has bright vanilla, warm oak, a hint of raisins, and herbal spice. Slightly tannic. A respectable pour. It took some time to open up, or for my palate to adjust.