As the holiday season approaches, bourbon lovers know there’s no better way to raise spirits than with a bottle that delivers both warmth and craftsmanship. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned enthusiast or looking to introduce someone to Kentucky’s finest, two standout releases from Castle & Key offer festive flavor, impressive age, and plenty of cheer.
6-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon
50.5% ABV | $39.99 SRP (750ml)
For an affordable yet meaningful gift, Castle & Key’s 6-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon brings history and heart to the glass. Released earlier this year, this expression is crafted from a mashbill of 73% white corn, 10% rye and 17% malted barley, an inviting balance that shines during winter nights and holiday gatherings.
At 101 proof, the bourbon opens with aromas reminiscent of holiday baking: graham cracker, butterscotch, red apple, honeysuckle and a touch of clove. The palate follows with warm sweetness and subtle spice, making it an ideal bottle for cozy fireside sipping or festive toasts.
Wheated Bourbon Cask Strength
54.1% ABV | $59.99–$64.99 SRP (750ml)
For those seeking a richer, deeper holiday pour, the newly released 2025 Wheated Bourbon Cask Strength offers a bold yet refined seasonal treat. This edition features 73% locally grown white corn, 10% winter wheat and 17% malted barley, barreled at 108.2 proof and bottled at 54.1% ABV.
Its tasting notes read like a holiday dessert tray oatmeal-raisin cookie, baked peach and soft cinnamon rounded out with a finish of roasted walnut, worn leather and warm French toast. It’s a complex, comforting bourbon perfect for gifting or savoring slowly as the year winds down.
Both bourbons are available at The Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Ky., the Castle & Key 502 retail store in Louisville, and online at castleandkey.com.
For gift-givers looking to share the spirit of the season, these two bottles deliver craftsmanship, character and plenty of holiday cheer.
