Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon 2022 (Batch 1)

Hey there, you wonderfully unpolished, whiskey-loving oddballs! 👋 So, imagine this: I'm all set for a sophisticated, refined, maybe even influencer-worthy review of Woodford Reserve. The lighting? Impeccable. The camera angle? Cinematic. My phone's battery? It died quicker than my New Year's resolutions. 💀📱 While my phone was charging (and my spirits were being revived), I figured – what's a better way to pass the time than to involve some awesome friends, like a pair of dynamic podcast hosts known for their show about Airstream enthusiasts, but with a bit more flair, in a bourbon tasting adventure? And joining us on this incredible boozy journey: a captivating woman in the world of spirits – my incredibly attractive partner — who humorously lets me be her legally tied companion. 🔥💍 Here's the lineup for this epic tasting expedition: 1. Buffalo Trace – The entry-level bourbon. Dependable. Consistent. Like a supportive friend who always comes prepared. 2. Castle & Key Wheated Small Batch – Smooth and charming with a wheaty character. 3. Maker’s Mark Private Selection – Individually chosen and full of character. Like a bourbon dressed up but still a bit wild. 4. Larceny Barrel Proof – This one hits hard, but in a surprisingly pleasant way. Wheated, bold, and fantastic. 5. Penelope Rio – A dessert in liquid form. Like crème brûlée and a piña colada had a love child raised by bourbon experts. And yes, complete reviews of the Maker’s and Penelope are already published – because, unlike my phone, those opinions were captured. 🙌 So, pour a drink (and maybe top it up), because fun times are expected, and someone is bound to discover a new favorite… or at least a hazy recollection of one. And now… cue the lights, camera, bourbon – GO! 🎥🥃 Full Video Review: https://youtu.be/zqTnc6EnUBA?si=meWtnbB2H5AqUrIw YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/zqTnc6EnUBA?si=meWtnbB2H5AqUrIw

Nose: Smells like lemon curd and sweetened cornflakes, as if glazed with vanilla. There's also a scent of dusky white corn. Palate: A tart cherry and pie crust sensation upon first taste, which then becomes slightly sharp and citrusy. As it progresses, a hint of black licorice emerges, revealing its youth. It finishes with a touch of bitterness. I'd prefer notes like chocolate, brown sugar, or maple, typically found in longer-aged spirits, to provide balance and depth. It's not quite there yet. The mouthfeel is a bit thin for 98 proof. Finish: Rather one-dimensional. It fades with the licorice note and leaves minimal warmth or lingering taste beyond sweet white corn. Overall: My expectations were modest, given this was a reentry into bourbon from an iconic distillery. It's a young, 4-year-old bourbon, and in that context, it shows considerable promise. This particular batch isn't fully developed, but it has some really pleasant elements. You can tell the distillery is on the right track, but time is irreplaceable. They are several years behind their own Yellowstone distillate, which is now aged 6-7 years. Both distilleries are on the right path and will be significant players when their barrels reach the 8-10 year sweet spot. This isn't there yet, BUT you should buy a bottle. The real enjoyment will be in comparing its evolution over the years!

Nose: Prominent fruity notes mingle with brown sugar. Sweet fruit aromas dominate, with an abundance of fruit forwardness rarely encountered in a bourbon nose. Hints of apples, cherries, peaches, and a berry jam-like quality emerge. As it rests, cinnamon red-hots become more apparent. There's virtually no perceptible burn. A truly remarkable aroma. Let's see if the taste measures up. Palate: The first impression is chocolate and Fruity Pebbles cereal. An unexpected combination. It's certainly less sweet and complex than the nose suggested. The expected brown sugar and vanilla are present, with very understated oak. The finish offers subtle apple and honey notes with a hint of spice. Overall: An incredibly smooth and balanced spirit. A solid initial offering. Worth experiencing.

Initial impression: Nose of vanilla, cereal grain, and a touch of sweet berries. After some time and swirling, hints of blood orange and honey appear. Palate: Tastes like vanilla cream candy (the kind with a vanilla cream center and caramel exterior), spices, and roasted almonds at the back of the tongue. The finish is extended but not overwhelming, returning to orange zest and vanilla cream notes.

This “bourbon” is not bourbon. I detect so many contradictory flavors that I am unsure of what I am drinking. To be completely honest, if the bottle hadn't cost over $60, I would have discarded it. It's neither a good sipper nor a good mixer. The whisky is at odds with itself. I am tempted to quote Princess Bride and tell everyone to “have fun stormin’ the castle.” But you won’t.

Pleasant aroma starting with hints of creamy vanilla and cinnamon. The palate has sweet alfalfa with citrus. A little heat and an oily finish. This is quite nice. It's distinctive. There's no oak influence. I believe more aging would make this exceptional. I'm impressed with this first batch.