Castle & Key Distillery has launched The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4, a limited-edition bourbon that honors African American contributions to Kentucky’s whiskey heritage. The 52% ABV single barrel release carries a $175 retail price and benefits scholarship funds supporting diversity in the distilling industry.
Only 204 bottles are available, with sales exclusively through castleandkey.com and the distillery’s Louisville retail location. Castle & Key will donate 100 percent of revenue from this release to programs that promote inclusion and equity within the spirits industry.
Castle & Key The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4 Production & Tasting Notes
The bourbon features Hickory King Corn, an heirloom varietal that Kentucky distillers favored a century ago. Castle & Key worked with Walnut Grove Farms to cultivate and preserve this treasured grain variety as part of the distillery’s sustainability commitment.
The mashbill combines 73% Hickory King Corn with 10% Kentucky-grown rye and 17% malted barley. Bottled at cask strength from a single barrel, the whiskey entered the barrel at 107 proof.
According to official tasting notes, the bourbon presents baked brown sugar, snickerdoodle, and marcona almond on the nose. The palate delivers dark honey, fig jam, and assam tea with spice notes of thyme and black cardamom. The finish begins with front sweetness before building into toasted brown bread flavors.
Honoring Dallas Peters’ Legacy
Each bottle label in The Untold Story series features a historical narrative researched and written by historian Kayla Bush. Chapter 4 tells the story of Dallas Peters, a Black man from Millville, Kentucky, who worked in bourbon production during an era of racial prejudice.
“The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4 tells the story of Dallas Peters, a Black man from Millville, Kentucky, whose life intertwined with bourbon and the social struggles of an era marked by prejudice,” Bush explains. “Honoring his legacy reminds us of the need to amplify silenced voices, celebrating a heritage built by many.”
Born in 1892, Peters married into Brack Beverly’s family and worked behind the scenes at Old Taylor Distillery, now Castle & Key. Despite Black workers being barred from holding official distiller titles, Peters played a pivotal role in whiskey production. His reputation suffered from false accusations of barrel theft, though others were later convicted of the actual crime.
The Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild
The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4 has been crafted to support initiatives such as The Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, which seeks to promote inclusivity and upward mobility for people of color in the bourbon industry.
“Bourbon is a nine billion dollar industry in Kentucky and yet less than one percent of those within it reflect our community,” says Robert Beatty, Lexington entrepreneur and founder of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild. “The Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild exists to change that. Our mission goes beyond bourbon. KBBG is rooted in access, education, and equity. We equip our members with the tools to navigate and thrive within the spirits industry—while dismantling the systemic barriers that have historically excluded us.
“We’re not here just to enjoy bourbon. We’re here to claim our place in its legacy, shape its future, and ensure that ownership, opportunity, and representation reflect the full spirit of Kentucky.”
New Whiskey Debut
Castle & Key will debut the bourbon at a ticketed dinner during SoulFeast Week in Lexington. The June 19 event at Coleman Crest Farm, Kentucky’s first Black-owned USDA Certified Organic farm, includes dinner by James Beard Award Semifinalist Chef Isaiah Screetch and the opportunity to purchase bottles on-site. Tickets cost $120 each and must be booked in advance.
Read the full article at Castle & Key Releases Limited Edition Bourbon to Support Diversity in Distilling
