Coming out of Frankfort, Kentucky, this Castle & Key straight bourbon feels like a real evolution for their whiskey craft. They’re moving away from small-batch blending and locking in a consistent profile with a solid six-year age statement. The specs are unique too: a mash bill of 73% white corn from Walnut Grove Farm, a heavy 17% hit of malted barley, and German rye, all brought to life with water from that historic key-shaped limestone spring. It’s aged in char #3 barrels from Speyside Cooperage and bottled at 101.2 proof without any chill filtering to keep the texture intact. On the nose, you’re getting buttery graham cracker, fresh red apple, and a touch of honeysuckle and clove. The palate goes deeper into toffee, molasses, and orange zest, eventually lifting into a finish of cinnamon and white pepper.