In partnership with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild (KBBG), Castle & Key Distillery announces the release of their latest whiskey, The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey, Chapter 1, ($149.99 SRP); 100 percent of this new whiskey sales will support The Castle & Key Scholarship Fund, a scholarship created to promote diversity and inclusion within the distilling industry. The bottle labels and design of the bottles were 100 percent donated by Eurostampa and Stranger & Stranger.
“As distillers and admirers of American whiskey, it is our responsibility to share the history of how the spirit came to be,” says Will Arvin, Co-Founder of Castle & Key. “We are honored to have partnered with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild to amplify these untold stories and to launch this important scholarship fund. Our hope is to amplify the diverse history of our industry and to support a more equitable future for prospective distillers.”
Castle & Key will release annual “chapters” of The Untold Story, with each iteration telling another aspect of how African Americans have contributed to the spirits industry. “With this program we hope to inspire a new generation of distillers and to challenge the conventions of the past,” says Jonathan Newton, Director of Sales. “We hope to incorporate more of this historical narrative into the experience at Castle & Key, and we hope that this initiative inspires more of this important work throughout the industry.”
SCHOLARSHIP
The Castle & Key Scholarship Fund was established at Blue Grass Community Foundation by Castle & Key Distillery to support scholarships for students of color who have interest in working in the distilling field in Kentucky. The scholarship provides a $5,000 award that is renewable for one additional year of study. More information about this scholarship and eligibility requirements can be found via the Blue Grass Community Foundation (BGCF). The scholarship opens for submission in January 2022 and closes in March.
“The Castle & Key Untold Story Series of Kentucky Whiskey is not just American heritage within a bottle. This special release rightfully connects African American contributions to that very Americanism going back to the dates of slavery,” says Mike Adams, Vice President of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild. “Make no mistake about it, this project boldly confesses a truth that most have been reluctant to merely utter aloud. Our organization is proud to work with such a courageous, forward-thinking, and fair organization as Castle & Key.”
Tasting Notes: The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 1
(53.3% ABV; $149.99 SRP; 425 bottles produced)
Mash Bill: 73% White Corn, 10% Rye, 17% Malted Barley; Filtration: Non-Chill Filtered
AROMA: Full and complex with strong notes of toffee, baked apricot, and honey roasted peanuts rounded out with light floral, nutmeg, Meyer lemon and straw
TASTE: Dark honey, peanuts, pie crust, dark chocolate pie, with subtle notes of black pepper and toasted tobacco
FINISH: Medium bodied, medium finish with slight warming with low notes of cigar wrapper and charred wood
