Castle & Key Cask Finish Series Limited Experimental Edition is a Kentucky straight rye whiskey finished in cherry liqueur casks, bottled at an impressive 115.2 proof. This high-rye mash bill combines 63% rye with yellow corn and malted barley, then undergoes an additional 27 months of maturation in cherry liqueur casks to create a boldly innovative expression from one of Kentucky's most storied distilleries.

Castle & Key Distillery stands as a testament to Kentucky's whiskey renaissance, reviving the legendary Old Taylor Distillery established in 1887 in Frankfort. Under the guidance of master distiller Marianne Eaves, the distillery has breathed new life into this historic property, combining time-honored techniques with innovative finishing methods. Their experimental cask series represents the pinnacle of craft distillation, where tradition meets bold creativity in limited-edition releases.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich cherry cordial, vanilla oak, black pepper spice, dried stone fruit, honeyed grain
• Palate: Bold rye spice, maraschino cherry, dark chocolate, cinnamon bark, leather undertones
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering cherry sweetness, oak tannins, peppery heat

Product Details

Perfect For

• Whiskey Collectors: Limited experimental edition showcasing innovative cask finishing techniques
• Rye Enthusiasts: High-rye mash bill delivers classic spice with unique cherry liqueur complexity
• Special Occasions: Cask strength bottling perfect for celebrating milestone moments
• Contemplative Sipping: Complex flavor development rewards patient exploration neat or with a splash of water

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Castle & Key Cherry Liqueur Cask Finish taste like?

This rye whiskey delivers a bold combination of traditional rye spice with sweet cherry cordial notes from the liqueur cask finishing. The high-rye mash bill provides peppery heat and grain complexity, while 27 months in cherry liqueur casks adds layers of dark fruit, vanilla, and chocolate undertones. At cask strength, it offers intense flavor concentration that opens beautifully with a few drops of water.

How should I drink Castle & Key Cask Finish Series?

This cask strength whiskey is best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass to appreciate its complex aromatics, though adding a few drops of water will help open the flavors and tame the 115.2 proof heat. The cherry liqueur influence makes it exceptional for slow sipping, allowing the fruit and spice interplay to develop on your palate. Avoid ice initially to experience the full flavor profile.

Is Castle & Key Cherry Liqueur Cask worth the investment?

Absolutely, especially for collectors and rye whiskey enthusiasts. This limited experimental edition represents only 2 barrels, making it exceptionally rare. Castle & Key's reputation for quality, combined with the innovative cherry liqueur cask finishing and cask strength bottling, creates significant value for those seeking unique American whiskey expressions that push traditional boundaries.

What makes this different from regular Castle & Key rye?

The key difference lies in the additional 27 months of finishing in cherry liqueur casks, which imparts distinctive fruit-forward complexity not found in their standard expressions. The cask strength bottling preserves maximum flavor intensity, while the experimental nature means this exact profile may never be replicated. The cherry liqueur influence creates a bridge between traditional rye spice and dessert-like sweetness.

What whiskeys are similar to Castle & Key Cask Finish Series?

For admirers of innovative cask-finished American whiskeys, consider exploring other experimental releases from craft distilleries like New Riff's bottled-in-bond expressions or Wilderness Trail's cask strength offerings. The fruit-forward profile shares DNA with port-finished whiskeys, though the cherry liqueur influence creates a unique sweetness profile distinct from wine cask treatments.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.