Castle & Key Distillery, in partnership with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild (KBBG), announced the release of The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4 (52% ABV; $175 SRP), the fourth release in the distillery’s limited-edition series. 

The new expression has a mashbill 73% Hickory King Corn, 10% Kentucky Grown Rye and 17% Malted Barley, and had a barrel entry proof of 107.

For each release, 100 percent of revenue will be donated to scholarship funds that support diversity, inclusion, and equity within the distilling industry. Only 204 bottles are available for purchase online at castleandkey.com with a limited number available at the Castle & Key 502 retail store in Louisville, Kentucky.

Castle & Key will debut The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey, Chapter 4, at a ticketed dinner kicking off SoulFeast Week, a week-long celebration of culture, cuisine, and community that shines a spotlight on Lexington, KY. The Chitlin’ Circuit Farm to Table Dinner will be held on June 19 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Coleman Crest Farm, Kentucky’s first Black-owned USDA Certified Organic farm; reservations are required. Tickets ($120 each) include a farm tour, a multi-course dinner prepared by James Beard Award Semifinalist Chef Isaiah Screetch, live entertainment, and a first look at the new bourbon, with the opportunity to purchase a bottle on-site. 

The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4 is a true single barrel, offered at cask strength, featuring Hickory King Corn, an heirloom varietal widely cultivated and favored for whiskey production a century ago. Among Kentucky’s heirloom grains, Hickory King corn has a legacy rooted in history, much like the untold stories of Black communities interwoven with Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. 

As part of Castle & Key’s commitment to sustainability, the distilling team worked with Walnut Grove Farms, the primary provider of its grains to ensure the cultivation and preservation of this treasured grain.

“Featured on each iteration’s label is a chapter that serves as a historical narrative to promote conversations around the aspects of how African-Americans have contributed to the spirits industry,” historian Kayla Bush, who was responsible for the research and writing of this year’s narrative, said in a news release. “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. 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, linking him to a lineage of African Americans who contributed significantly, yet often invisibly, to America’s native spirit. At the time, Black workers were barred from holding the title of  “distiller” or participating openly in alcohol production. 

Despite this, Peters played a pivotal role behind the scenes at the Old Taylor Distillery, now Castle & Key. His legacy was clouded by a false accusation of barrel theft—a scheme later revealed to be the work of two others, who were later convicted.

“At Castle & Key we fully support The Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild in its mission to improve access and education within the distilling industry,” Will Arvin, Co-Founder of Castle & Key, said. “The fourth release in the Untold Story series represents our commitment to inspiring a new generation of distillers and working with local partners such as KBBG, Walnut Grove Farms and SoulFeast Week who share our bold and independent spirit.” 

“Bourbon is a nine billion dollar industry in Kentucky and yet less than one percent of those within it reflect our community,” Robert Beatty, Lexington entrepreneur and founder of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, said. “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.”

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ABOUT CASTLE & KEY  

Castle & Key is steeped in Kentucky distilling history. With its stunning site dating back to 1887, the distillery is known both as the birthplace of bourbon hospitality and for the high-quality Kentucky spirits made there today. In 2014, Co-Founder Will Arvin began restoring The Old Taylor Distillery — which had fallen to ruin after decades of neglect — with a vision of creating an immersive distillery experience. Today, the restored distillery has become a popular travel destination for enthusiasts of spirits and history alike. For information about Castle & Key’s spirit offerings, tours, and tastings, please visit CastleAndKey.com.