
Castle Key Small Batch 6 Years Bourbon
Overview
Castle & Key Small Batch 6 Years Bourbon represents the distillery's 2025 release in their maturing Small Batch lineup, where two additional years of aging elevate the profile from the younger 4-year expression into a more balanced and complex bourbon.
Specs at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Style | Small Batch Bourbon |
| ABV | 50.5% |
| Mashbill | 73% white corn, 10% rye, 17% malted barley |
| Release Info | 2025 release, bottled at 6 years old, 101 proof |
| Age | 6 Years |
Good to know
Castle & Key's bourbon program has expanded significantly in recent years, with the Small Batch offering introduced in 2022 and refined through annual releases. This 6-year version highlights the distillery's emphasis on time and craftsmanship, outperforming the 4-year sibling in comparative tastings for its richer layers.
Tasting notes
- Nose: Brighter fruits lead with spicier rye and bolder pepper, alongside peanuts, popcorn, bright red apples, clementine oranges, green banana, lacy caramel, and soothing vanilla.
- Palate: Enters smoothly without the full intensity of 50.5% ABV, unfolding into richer complexity and vibrant balance reflective of extended aging.
- Finish: Lingers lushly with milk chocolate, gingerbread, buttery almond cookies, and vanilla-scented sugar.
Notable details
- Production: High white corn mashbill contributes to a softer, fruit-forward character; non-batch numbered release.
- Lineage: Part of Castle & Key's evolving Small Batch series since 2022, amid a ramped-up bourbon production.
- Comparison: Expert tastings favor it over the 4-year version for superior balance and depth.
"Two extra years changed the game with balance and vibrancy... Lush, soothing, and layered fade-out." – Drinkhacker
Closing
A patient evolution in Castle & Key's portfolio, ideal for those seeking refined bourbon maturity without excess intensity.
Sources
[1] Drinkhacker – "Castle & Key Bourbon Small Batch Bourbon (2025) 6 Years Old Review"
[2] Breakingbourbon – "Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon Review | Breaking Bourbon"
[3] Whiskeyreviewer – "Castle & Key Ups Game With 6 Year Old Bourbon – The Whiskey Reviewer"
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