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

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"