Kentucky Distiller’s Association Welcomes Castle & Key As Newest Heritage Member

For Immediate Release – June 29, 2021

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Castle & Key Distillery in Woodford County is the 43rd member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

In 2014, Castle & Key co-founders Will Arvin and Wes Murry purchased the historic Old Taylor Distillery at 4445 McCracken Pike and began an intensive multi-year restoration effort that culminated in its 2018 grand opening.

With three continuous column stills, production of bourbon and rye whiskey, gin and vodka began in 2016. Current products include Restoration Kentucky Rye Whiskey; Slow Hands Single Barrel Rye Whiskey; Sacred Spring Vodka; Roots of Ruin Gin; and Rise, a seasonal spring gin.

“We’re thrilled to be joining the KDA and will be seeking a spot soon on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour,” Arvin said. “We’ve appreciated the leadership of Eric Gregory and his team at the KDA in championing Kentucky’s signature industry around the world, and we look forward to working alongside all other members of the organization.”

Learn more at https://castleandkey.com/.

KDA President Eric Gregory said Arvin has demonstrated a superb commitment to the preservation of Kentucky’s Bourbon heritage through Castle & Key’s significant investment in the restoration of the iconic distillery.

“We have had a great relationship with the Castle & Key team from its beginning, and we are equally thrilled to welcome them into our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers,” Gregory said. “We look forward to adding Will’s insight and leadership to our trusted Board of Directors.”

Castle & Key is the KDA’s 15th Heritage-level member, the highest rank for distilleries that age more than 50,000 barrels a year. As a Heritage member, Castle & Key will have an expanded leadership role in the management of the association and the future of the landmark industry.

Other KDA Heritage members include Bardstown Bourbon Company, Beam Suntory (Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark), Brown-Forman, Diageo North America, Four Roses, Green River Distilling Co., Heaven Hill Brands, Louisville Distilling Company, Lux Row, Michter’s, Rabbit Hole, Wild Turkey, Wilderness Trail and Willett.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the state’s voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless Craft.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic and treasured industries, a booming $8.6 billion economic engine that generates more than 20,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1 billion each year.

In addition, the industry is in the middle of a $2.3 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism centers to expanded production facilities, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.

There are now nearly 10 million barrels of Bourbon and other spirits aging in Kentucky warehouses, the highest number in the modern era of American Whiskey. Of that, 9.3 million are just Bourbon, the first time since 1967 that the number of Bourbon barrels topped nine million.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 360 percent since the turn of the century, with Kentucky distillers filling 2.1 million barrels in 2019, the second year in a row that Kentucky distillers have filled two million barrels, the first time that’s happened in the modern era.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon TrailⓇ and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft TourⓇ distilleries has shot up more than 300 percent in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2019 was nearly 2 million, the highest number since KDA founded the tour in 1999.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

Gregory said Castle & Key’s contributions to the industry and the KDA’s legislative initiatives will bolster Kentucky Bourbon’s efforts to change archaic laws and regulations, opening new opportunities for sustainable growth globally.

“The KDA and its members are committed to upholding the integrity of our beloved industry and meeting the global demand for Kentucky Bourbon responsibly and sustainably,” Gregory said. “We thank Will and his team for their dedication to strengthening Kentucky’s place as the one true home for Bourbon.”

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For more information, contact: Eric Gregory, KDA President, (502) 875-9351

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Make It Memorable – Enjoy Responsibly.