Castle & Key
Custom and Public Distillery Tours
Castle & Key Bourbon Tour
About Castle & Key
Castle & Key Distillery is one of the most visually striking and picturesque stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. And yes, it really is a castle! Located just outside Frankfort, this historic distillery sits on the former Old Taylor Distillery site, where Col. E.H. Taylor once made bourbon history. After more than a century, the property has been meticulously restored into a working distillery producing bourbon, rye, vodka, and gin, all set across 113 acres of rolling hills, limestone architecture, and perfectly manicured gardens. Castle & Key distillery tours walk guests through the revival of this iconic site, from the castle-like façade and sunken gardens to the massive rickhouses aging future bourbon releases. For those planning a Kentucky bourbon trail itinerary, Castle & Key delivers a rare mix of history, beauty, fairytale aesthetics, and modern distilling.
What's Included
We now visit Castle & Key weekly on our Friday Bourbon Tour! This full-day bourbon tour includes guided transportation, three iconic distillery stops, curated tastings, and a local lunch. Begin with a tour and tasting at Castle & Key Distillery, where historic architecture, lush gardens, and craft spirits set the tone for the day. Continue to Woodford Reserve Distillery for a classic Kentucky bourbon distillery tour and tasting, then wrap up with a premium tasting experience at Stitzel-Weller Distillery, one of bourbon’s most legendary sites.
join our friday tour
Castle & Key, Woodford Reserve, Stitzel-Weller
Friday Bourbon Tour
Woodford Reserve, Castle & Key, Stitzel WellerThis Friday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, three distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will experience Kentucky distillery tours with a tour and tasting at Woodford Reserve, a tour and tasting at Castle & Key, and a premium tasting at Stitzel Weller. Explore the heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail on this expertly crafted adventure.
$219 Per Person
Exclusive Experiences at Castle & Key
custom tours
Booking Castle & Key Distillery as part of a custom bourbon tour with Mint Julep Experiences unlocks elevated access you won’t find on standard public visits. Custom itineraries allow for flexible timing, premium tastings when available, and a more relaxed, unhurried tour of the distillery’s historic castle, rickhouses, and gardens without rushing to beat the next tour group. With private transportation and expert planning, Castle & Key can be seamlessly paired with nearby distilleries for a perfectly paced day on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.
FAQs
Can you taste bourbon at Castle & Key Distillery?
Yes. Castle & Key now offers select bourbon and rye whiskey releases for tasting, along with their well-known gin and vodka. Tasting availability can vary by season and release schedule.
What types of whiskey does Castle & Key produce?
Castle & Key produces bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, and gin. Their whiskey portfolio includes carefully aged bourbon and rye expressions that reflect the distillery’s focus on traditional methods and thoughtful maturation.
Is Castle & Key worth visiting for bourbon lovers?
Absolutely. Castle & Key combines historic bourbon heritage with modern distilling and now offers whiskey tastings alongside one of the most scenic distillery settings on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Where is Castle & Key located on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?
Castle & Key is located near Frankfort, Kentucky, making it an ideal stop between Lexington and Louisville and an easy addition to central Kentucky bourbon trail itineraries.
Do you need reservations for Castle & Key tours and tastings?
Yes. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak bourbon tourism seasons.
Is Castle & Key good for first-time bourbon trail visitors?
Yes. The approachable tastings, educational tours, and beautiful setting make Castle & Key a favorite for first-time visitors and mixed-interest groups. An Experience Coordinator at Mint Julep Experiences can help you select the tour and itinerary that's perfect for you and your group!
Can Castle & Key be included in a custom bourbon tour itinerary?
Yes. Castle & Key is frequently included in custom and private bourbon trail tours, especially for travelers seeking a balance of whiskey, history, and scenery.
