A Guide to the Castle and Key Distillery in Frankfort, KY
Welcome to Frankfort, KY
Imagine a beautiful stone castle set against the lush green trees and rolling hills of Kentucky. Now imagine if that castle also served world-famous whiskey. That castle you’re imagining is Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, KY.
Castle & Key isn’t just another
stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail; It’s a shining example of American perseverance and commitment to craft. From innovative beginnings, to ruins, to restored legacy, Castle & Key blends historical tradition with modern ingenuity, making it one of the most picturesque and immersive distillery experiences in the state.
Castle & Key: A Phoenix Story
The history of Castle and Key is a long and storied one. Here’s a brief overview of the fascinating rise, fall, and reemergence of this unique distillery.
1887: The Founding
The story of Castle & Key begins in 1887, when Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., one of bourbon’s most influential figures of the 19th century, built a distillery like no other. Inspired by European architecture, he envisioned a distillery as grand and inviting as a European estate, complete with a castle, gardens, and a springhouse that supplied water for the bourbon. From the start, Taylor wasn’t just building a distillery; he was building a legacy of hospitality and tourism.
1920: Prohibition
When the Prohibition passed in 1920, all distilleries in the area were forced to close, including Taylor’s. Over the next century, the property would change owners and occupants several times, slowly falling into disrepair. But that’s not where the story ends.
2012: Rediscovery
In 2012, Will Arvin stumbled upon pictures of the abandoned distillery and became enchanted by its legacy and potential. Two years later, the Castle & Key purchased the Old Taylor Distillery and began the painstaking task of restoring the property to its former glory.
2018: Reopening
The newly dubbed “Castle & Key” rose from the ashes of history in 2018, nearly 100 years after its closure. The new name was carefully selected to honor both the history of the architecture and the keyhole-shaped Springhouse that supplies water.
2018 - 2022: Releasing Spirits
Since its reopening, Castle & Key has been quickly rising, regaining its reputation for excellence. In 2018, the distillery released its first batch of clear spirits. In December of 2020, they released their first aged spirit: Restoration Rye. And in March of 2022, Castle & Key regained its place in bourbon history with the release of its first small batch of Kentucky Bourbon in nearly 5 decades.
Present Day
Today, Castle & Key honors Taylor’s vision while ushering in a new generation of bourbon making, initially led by Kentucky’s first female master distiller since Prohibition, Marianne Eaves. Castle & Key promises utmost quality in its spirits by remaining passionate and intentional about everything they do: from production to tours and events.
Visiting Castle and Key Distillery: What to Know
Castle & Key is located in Frankfort, KY. Surrounded by tranquil woodland, the historic city of Frankfort, and flowing Glenns Creek, this distillery isn’t like any you’ve seen before. The grounds include a castle-like distillery, sunken gardens, a springhouse, and restored buildings like the Boiler Room bar and Taylorton Station. Even without a tour, guests are welcome to explore the public areas, walk the trails, and enjoy the serene Kentucky landscape.
The Experience:
Castle & Key Distillery prides itself on being the “birthplace of bourbon hospitality”, and they’ve earned that reputation. You’ll feel welcomed from the moment you step onto the property. Whether you are a whiskey connoisseur or a new sipper, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Castle and Key will guide you through a unique experience suited to your tastes and interests.
Experience Inclusions:
- Tour the Distillery: Get up close and personal with the historic buildings and modern bourbon production process.
- Explore the Grounds: Stroll through scenic gardens or walk the Botanical Trails for a peaceful afternoon and amazing photos.
- Shop the Store: The historic boiler room has been repurposed into a retail space and guest center, filled with curated merchandise to buy and browse.
- Have a Taste: Enjoy some sips and snacks at the distillery’s walk-up bars. It’s not bourbon! You can enjoy neat pours, craft beers, select wines, and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Host an Event: Love what you see? You can elevate the experience by booking a private event!
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Tuesday - Closed
Wednesday - 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday - 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday - 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday - 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
All bars close at 4:30 PM.
Check their website for current hours, holiday closures, and tour availability.
Distillery Tours
Castle & Key offers a variety of tour experiences throughout the year. While exact tours and tastings will vary based on the time of year and the occasion. However, here are some examples of Castle & Key’s legendary hospitality:
The Distillery Experience
- Duration: 1 hour
- Includes: Guided walk of the grounds, a select spirit tasting, and insights into the distillation equipment and process
- Cost: Approximately $30 per person
The Tasting Lab
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Includes: An exclusive tasting in the Octagonal tower, featuring 3 exquisite whiskies from the premium portfolio.
- Cost: Approximately $25 per person
Walk the Ruins
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Includes: A behind-the-scenes look at the distillery’s past, present, and future. Walk the ruins of Warehouse B, enjoy an exclusive tasting (with a take-home glass!), and relax in the gardens.
- Cost: $500
- Group Size: Up to 10 guests
If you don’t want to worry about booking something on your own, Bourbon Barrel Cottages & Tours offers
expertly curated experiences across several distilleries!
Products and Cocktails:
Castle & Key offers a curated portfolio of handcrafted spirits:
- Restoration Rye Whiskey – sweet with notes of pumpernickel, honey, toffee, cinnamon, and oak
- Small Batch Bourbon – well-balanced with notes of vanilla, oak, and spice
- Wheated Bourbon – smooth and sweet, great for sipping
- Sacred Spring Vodka – clean and crisp, made with spring water from the property
- Seasonal Gins – like Harvest or Autumn gin, each with a unique botanical blend
Signature cocktails on-site showcase these spirits in creative, seasonal recipes, many using fresh ingredients grown on the property.
A Day in Frankfort, KY:
If you are coming to Frankfort for the Castle & Key experience, make a day of it by exploring the city! Take a mini-trial tour by visiting Frankfort’s other two distilleries, Buffalo Trace Distillery and Three Boys Farm Distillery.
If you need a break from bourbon, there’s still so much to do around town. Take a look at the Capital City Museum, tour the Josephine Sculpture Park, or see the final resting place of notable figures like Daniel Boone at the Frankfort Cemetery.
Bourbon Barrel Cottages & Tours
Nature's Symphony
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit
Whether you're a bourbon lover or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Bourbon Barrel Cottages & Tours offers cozy accommodations in Lawrenceburg, KY.
Enjoy the epitome of southern comfort and hospitality in the heart of bourbon country! Save yourself the hassle of booking tours and finding transportation by letting our seasoned guides take you on the trail. After your day at the distilleries, come back to relax in your own cozy cottage.
Each of our cottages includes a private hot tub, a fully equipped kitchen, a fire pit, and a front porch to enjoy the beautiful views.
Enjoy the best of Kentucky’s Distilleries when you book today!
Meet the Owners!
We are Jay and Angie Ballard, parents to five and grandparents to two, lovers of music, traveling, the outdoors, and all things bourbon.
In preparation for retirement and becoming empty nesters, plans of building a tiny home on our beautiful land--Finnel Farm--led us to where we are now. We thought, how wonderful would it be for others to experience what we get to call home? Guests can immerse themselves in a serene atmosphere surrounded by wildlife and enjoy sitting by the tranquil koi ponds. We're confident you'll love the luxury accommodations that each cottage offers, and there's no doubt you'll leave feeling more relaxed!
Over the past couple of years, the bourbon market has exploded worldwide, and what we offer at Bourbon Barrel Cottages helps attract Bourbon aficionados to our beautiful town, boosting our economy. With our customizable Bourbon Trail Tours, we will provide you with the ultimate bourbon experience you're seeking