Castle & Key Bourbon

6 Year Small Batch

MSRP: $34.99

Mash: 73% white corn, 10% rye, 17% malted barley

Proof: 101

Age: 6yrs

Nose: graham cracker, orange citrus zest, honey, pop of cardamom spice, caramelized sugars, hibiscus

Palate: graham cracker, kettle corn, hibiscus, honey, fresh sawn oak, golden raisin, apricot, white grape juice

Finish: medium short finish of oak, a pop of rye spice and grape

Rating: Buy it (Out of Hoard, Buy, Try, Pass)

Thoughts: This is where they should have released their bourbon. Although still a hint of youth, the extra 2 years over the initial batch 1 and 2 has done wonders. For the price, this is a killer value. In an ever increasingly expensive market, this checks all the blocks for a solid bourbon while still being cheap enough to use in a cocktail. I think the white corn produces the sweet kettle corn and graham cracker notes, and without some age, they present a little sour. I have a feeling that at higher age statements, this will only get better and better. Whats the Deal?: The six year age statement is nothing to scoff at, and I'm glad we're finally here. They ditched the really fancy metal clasp around the neck for a foil wrap with age statement on it. I am a big fan of whiskey carrying an age statement in general, so I'm all for this subtle, but important, change. I think the number one complaint for people when the bourbon from Castle & Key first dropped was that it just tasted too young. I personally believe this is an issue with using white corn in the mashbill. It is unique and a fun variation, but in my experience it needs a little extra barrel time to really start to shine. Although I think that this still has room to grow and excel, 6 years is proving to be a solid profile for this bourbon. When you consider the price, it is stellar. I've been a fan of Castle & Key since they kicked things off, and I think people are sleeping on them. The bourbon is steadily getting better, and the rye is just straight up excellent. It's time to start paying attention!