Castle and Key Distillery

4445 McCracken Pike

Frankfort, KY

The Distillery Story

Castle and Key Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, operates on the historic grounds of the Old Taylor Distillery, a once pioneering force in the bourbon industry before Prohibition. This distillery separates itself from others through a meticulous restoration of its original distillery buildings and a dedication to traditional distillation methods. Utilizing copper pot stills and a unique spring-fed limestone water source, they craft their spirits with precision and care. A distinct feature of Castle and Key is its custom-designed copper pot still, "Wormwood," one of the largest in the United States. This allows for a slower distillation process, yielding exceptionally smooth spirits. Their product range includes the flagship Restoration Release Gin and Castle & Key Bourbon, both celebrated for their quality and unique flavors that honor the distillery's heritage. The Castle & Key Bourbon received a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while the Castle & Key Rye, known for its bold, spicy notes, won a Bronze Medal at the 2021 New York International Spirits Competition. Castle and Key Distillery is not just a producer of fine spirits; it's a preserver of distillation history, showcasing its commitment to craftsmanship through guided tours of their historic facility. Their innovative approach to traditional methods sets them apart in the spirits industry, offering a taste of both history and quality.