Straight Rye Whiskey, 'Experimental Cask Finish - Haitian Rhum Cask'

• Limited edition straight rye whiskey produced by Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky
• 2025 release of Castle & Key’s Experimental Series
• Mash bill of 63% rye, 17% yellow corn, and 20% malted barley
• Rye is sourced from Germany; corn is sourced from Walnut Grove Farm in Adairville, Kentucky; barley is sourced from Malteurop Malting Company (multiple US locations)
• Sweet mash fermented
• Water for production comes from Castle & Key’s historic key-shaped limestone spring
• Distilled in 24-inch and 36-inch Vendome copper column stills and a 375-gallon doubler
• A blend of rye whiskeys aged for 4 and 5 years in untoasted char #3 new American oak barrels from Speyside Cooperage in Jackson, Ohio; finished in ”Extra Old” rhum (original spirit aged at least 6 years) casks from an unspecified Haitian distillery for 13 months; non-age statement
• Vatting of 30 barrels
• On the nose, sumptuous notes of brûléed banana, cream cheese frosting, dried pineapple, and Demerara sugar are spiked with cinnamon and a hint of savory smoke. The palate is an epicurean delight featuring fruitcake, blackstrap molasses, plum, hibiscus, rum-soaked raisins, black cardamom, and clove, gradually finishing with anise, cigar wrapper, and persistent dark sugar.
• Non-chill filtered; bottled at a cask strength of 58.05% ABV

Castle & Key Distillery’s Experimental Series consists of deliberately limited, small-batch bottlings (always at cask strength) that explore unique barrel finishes, blends, and mash bills. Barrel finish is the theme for the 2025 release, which celebrates the effects of introducing Castle & Key’s signature rye mash bill to a year’s residency in XO Haitian rhum casks. Extravagantly flavorful, it’s the whiskey you pour once the dinner-party guests have gone.