Castle & Key Small Batch Wheated Bourbon 2022 (Batch 2)

Purchased at the distillery in December 2022...can't remember the amount...somewhere in the 60-70 range IIRC. Rating this on the heels of the 1792 sweet wheat FWIW, and, well, the nose 'pops' in comparison, even if it is still pretty soft and approachable. A grassy base has some flowery notes and some light baking spices...I don't think it would be a challenge to identify this as a wheater if poured blind. Flavor is a bit more of a surprise...and makes this a more interesting pour. It's a bit more rich with plenty of vanilla from start to finish, along with a chocolatey note alongside the bread and yeasty flavors. Mild spice, and a bit more ethanol than I was expecting, but not in a bad way. Moderately long finish gets just a skosh hot with some cinnamon before a softer end. Overall, I thought this was a pretty good whiskey...worlds above the 1792 SW in terms of depth and intrigue, even if both are approachable and, at the core, enjoyable

A nice and mellow wheater. Wish it were a little cheaper, but i really want to visit the distillery!

Nothing special. Like a $25 bottle burdened with a $55 price tag. Full pass on another purchase and this bottle will be reserved for unwelcome guests.