Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon 2023 (Batch 3)

It's clear there's no real quality control for these user-submitted entries, but oh well. Bottle #14627 Castle & Key is a distillery that went from having no products to suddenly being the go-to for many bars in Kentucky, much like New Riff became standard in southern Ohio establishments. I'd enjoyed their rye whiskey previously and, being in the area one weekend, decided to visit and learn more at the distillery, skipping the tour. Within minutes of arriving, two things were clear: the grounds are stunning, and it was the prime spot for wealthy men in casual attire. I've never seen a distillery offer enough gin varieties for a flight, and after that, I moved on to the whiskey flight, choosing this bottle based on those results. It was a beautiful place, but with limited indoor seating, the heat quickly drove us out after we finished tasting. Both this and the gin I bought were reasonably priced for what was offered. The color is unremarkable; a golden brown that's slightly deeper than expected for four years. The viscosity is average and matches the proof. The nose is rich with milk chocolate (maybe even caramel-filled), toasted oak, and some citrus oil, along with generic vegetable and herb notes. The proof provides just enough warmth in the nose to indicate its presence and body without being off-putting for those preferring something smoother. The initial taste is a burst of fruit, including red berries and citrus, balanced by an equally strong milk chocolate flavor. Subsequent sips reveal an herbaceous, cracked, malted rye that complements the fruit, along with some young corn that's aged just enough to lose its harshness. The finish intensifies with increasing heat before slightly mellowing to a very faint, bitter, almost charcoal-like aftertaste. This is quite impressive for a young, small-batch craft bourbon. Considering the rye and gin were equally good, it reminds me strongly of New Riff, almost a parallel in success and product range, separated by about 100 miles. A bourbon like this can be used in any situation, from drinking it straight to mixing it in cocktails, simple or complex. It's unsurprising it became a staple in local bars and restaurants, alongside the rye and gin, and I hope to see more of it. The price is decent, though not when compared to New Riff. I didn't see any single barrel options available, which is usually a bad sign, but it makes me curious about their price and if it would be worthwhile.

It has a decent flavor, though it lacks significant character. All in all, it's not bad.