Castle & Key Wheated Cask Strength Bourbon 7 Year is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that represents a milestone "landmark" release for the Frankfort-based distillery. Introduced originally in late 2024 with subsequent batch rollouts, it stands out as Castle & Key's oldest age-stated core product. It has earned notable accolades, including a Double Platinum ASCOT Award. 🥃 Production Profile Mash Bill: An unconventional, barley-forward mash bill consisting of 73% white corn, 17% malted barley, and 10% white winter wheat. The high percentage of malted barley combined with white grains gives it a distinct profile compared to standard wheated bourbons. Process: Crafted using a sweet mash process and low fermentation temperatures. It is non-chill filtered and retains its natural color. Aging: Matured for 7 years in char #3 new American oak barrels, primarily resting in cool warehouses where the spirit actually drops in proof during maturation. Proof & ABV: Varies by batch due to its cask-strength nature, typically landing between 105.8 proof (52.9% ABV) and 108.2 proof (54.1% ABV). Pricing: Suggest retail price (MSRP) sits around $60 to $65, though retail prices can fluctuate slightly depending on the merchant. 📝 Tasting Notes Nose: Pastry-like sweetness and fruit notes. Expect vanilla frosting, pound cake, baked peach, orange zest, and oatmeal raisin cookie with subtle floral undertones like lilacs. Palate: A creamy, oily, and luscious mouthfeel. It opens with heavy malt and grain notes, moving into almond pastry, butterscotch, cinnamon doughnuts, baking chocolate, and dried cranberry. Finish: Long and warming. It leaves lingering notes of raw brown sugar, roasted walnut, sweet oak, leather, and chai spice with a touch of white pepper on the mid-palate.
