Castle & Key Restoration Rye 2021 (Batch #3)

Restoration is thoroughly enjoyable. While some ryes can be a bit hairy or less composed, Castle and Key manages to keep Restoration clean and tidy. While unexpected, it’s a fun and alluring experience that makes me want to keep this one on the shelf more consistently. Considering some of the magnificent products C&K has released so far, I’m eager for what we’ll be seeing in the next 5-7 years. Well done.

Purchased at the distillery on our KBT trip this spring. The grounds are beautiful, a must see if you're in the area. Sampled this in a few Old Fashioned cocktails while we were there and was impressed. I get a cherry & brown sugar on the nose, along with a bit of musty grain. Something a bit different joins on the palate, sort of a floral note. Finish is lingering dry oak. Very nice rye. Entered this bottle in our rye tasting (RWT); most liked it, but it couldn't hang with the Willett, Rare Breed or the Last Feather Cask Strength bottles.

Hot, baking spices and clove, with a slightly sweet finish.. picked this up and didn’t trigger on distillery. This Rye was I. The barrel when we visited a few years back, LoL didn’t have bourbon or rye to serve when we visited. Need to go back grounds were beautiful!

Nothing like killing time after a softball game sampling some castle & key. Bit of heat bit of spice but smooth.

This made me want a Reuben sandwich, so it's definitely a good rye whiskey. The nose is rye bread, lemon, brown sugar and herbs. The palate matches, but as you chew on it a bit the brown sugar notes become more prominent. Finally, the oak makes an appearance at the end. Not overpowering, but a nice and welcomed addition. The finish is a lovely, rye, brown sugar and oak mix. Definitely enjoyed.