Unlocking the Secrets of Castle & Key: A Kentucky Distillery with a Rich History

As bartenders and hospitality professionals, we're always on the lookout for unique and fascinating stories behind the spirits we serve. Castle & Key, a Kentucky distillery with a stunning castle and a rich history, is one such story that's sure to captivate your customers and elevate your cocktail game.

A Legacy Revived

Castle & Key is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, and is built on the site of the Old Taylor Distillery, which was founded by Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. in 1887. Taylor is often credited as the father of the modern bourbon industry, and his legacy is still celebrated today. However, one of his distilleries was neglected and abandoned, until 2014 when Castle & Key took over the space and began crafting whiskeys, vodkas, and gins.

The Castle and Its History

The castle at Castle & Key is a stunning feature that's steeped in history. Taylor designed the distillery to include a castle and an intricate garden, inspired by his travels across Europe. The castle features medieval-looking watch towers and battlements along its roof, and is still at the center of the property today. The grounds also include a 40,000-gallon spring that's shaped like a keyhole, which is where the "Key" in Castle & Key comes from.

From Ruins to Revival

In 2012, attorney Will Arvin stumbled upon photos of the abandoned distillery and was captivated by its history. He visited the property and was met with fallen walls, sunken roofs, and boarded windows. However, he saw an opportunity to restore the distillery to its former glory and, along with co-founder Wesley Murry, purchased the property and spent four years restoring it.

Innovations and Products

Castle & Key debuted with gin and vodka, before releasing its first whiskey in 2020. The distillery's products are made using a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology. For example, the still vessels, fermenters, and silos from the old distillery were restored and hooked up to advanced distilling technology. The result is a range of unique and delicious spirits that are sure to impress your customers.

What This Means for Bartenders

So, what does Castle & Key's story mean for bartenders? Here are a few takeaways:

• Unique storytelling opportunities: Castle & Key's rich history and stunning castle make for a compelling story that you can share with your customers.
• New products to experiment with: Castle & Key's range of spirits offers a new opportunity to experiment with unique flavors and ingredients in your cocktails. [[Check out our cocktail recipes|/recipes]] for inspiration.
• Appreciation for tradition: Castle & Key's commitment to traditional techniques and ingredients is a reminder of the importance of respecting the craft of bartending. [[Learn more about our bartending programs|/programs]] to develop your skills.

Conclusion

Castle & Key is a Kentucky distillery with a rich history and a commitment to quality and tradition. As bartenders and hospitality professionals, we can appreciate the attention to detail and dedication that goes into crafting their spirits. Whether you're looking for a new story to tell or a new product to experiment with, Castle & Key is definitely worth checking out.

Ready to take your bartending career to the next level? [[Find a location near you|/locations]] and learn more about our bartending programs.