Castle & Key – Small Batch 6 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon (75cl, 50.5%)

This is a Kentucky straight bourbon from the Castle & Key distillery in Frankfort, bottled at 50.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. It is non-chill-filtered and carries a six-year age statement. The mash bill is 73% white corn, 10% rye and 17% malted barley. The whiskey spent six years in new American oak barrels that were untoasted and charred to level 3. Rather than blending the best of a small group of barrels, this release follows a consistent regimen to hold flavour and strength steady. The nose brings buttery graham cracker, red apple, honeysuckle and clove. On the palate come toffee, molasses, raisin and orange zest, and the finish moves from shortbread to candied orange peel, cacao nib and white pepper.