Castle & Key Distillery, nestled in the heart of Kentucky, has just released The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4, a limited-edition bourbon that’s more than just a drink—it’s a tribute to a forgotten hero and a bold step toward a more inclusive future for the bourbon industry. This release, in partnership with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild (KBBG), shines a light on Dallas Peters, a Black man from Millville, Kentucky, whose contributions to bourbon history were nearly erased by time and prejudice. With only 204 bottles available, this whiskey is as rare as the story it tells, and it’s already creating a buzz among bourbon enthusiasts across the country.
The Untold Story series is Castle & Key’s way of honoring the overlooked contributions of Black communities to Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. Chapter 4 focuses on Dallas Peters, born in 1892, who worked behind the scenes at the Old Taylor Distillery—now Castle & Key—during a time when Black workers were denied the title of “distiller” and barred from openly participating in alcohol production. Peters, who married into the family of Brack Beverly, was part of a lineage of African Americans who quietly shaped America’s native spirit. His story took a darker turn when he was falsely accused of stealing barrels, a crime later pinned on two others who were convicted. This whiskey, and the narrative on its label, aims to set the record straight, celebrating Peters’ legacy and the resilience of those who worked in the shadows of the industry.
This single-barrel bourbon, bottled at a robust 52% ABV (104 proof), is crafted from a mashbill of 73% Hickory King Corn, 10% Kentucky-grown rye, and 17% malted barley, with a barrel entry proof of 107. The use of Hickory King Corn, an heirloom grain once widely used in whiskey production, adds a layer of historical authenticity. Castle & Key partnered with Walnut Grove Farms to ensure the cultivation of this treasured grain, reflecting their commitment to sustainability and local agriculture. The result is a whiskey with a rich, complex profile: aromas of baked brown sugar, snickerdoodle, marcona almond, dried apple, date, grape must, and nutmeg greet the nose. On the palate, it delivers dark honey, fig jam, assam tea, thyme, black cardamom, and cracked black pepper, finishing with a sweet-to-toasted arc that lingers like warm brown bread.
What sets this release apart isn’t just its flavor but its purpose. Every penny from the sale of these 204 bottles—available online at castleandkey.com and in limited quantities at the Castle & Key 502 retail store in Louisville—goes to scholarship funds supporting diversity, inclusion, and equity in the distilling industry. This initiative, driven by the KBBG, aims to break down systemic barriers that have long excluded Black professionals from a $9 billion industry where less than 1% of participants reflect their community. As Robert Beatty, KBBG founder, put it, the guild isn’t just about enjoying bourbon—it’s about claiming a rightful place in its legacy and shaping its future.
The launch of Chapter 4 kicks off with a special event during SoulFeast Week, a celebration of culture, cuisine, and community in Lexington, Kentucky. On June 19, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Coleman Crest Farm—Kentucky’s first Black-owned USDA Certified Organic farm—will host the Chitlin’ Circuit Farm to Table Dinner. For $120, ticket holders get a farm tour, a multi-course meal by James Beard Award Semifinalist Chef Isaiah Screetch, live entertainment, and a chance to taste and purchase this exclusive bourbon. It’s a fitting debut for a whiskey that honors community and heritage, bringing together bourbon lovers and history buffs in a meaningful way.
Castle & Key’s commitment to storytelling and quality is evident in every detail of this release. The distillery, originally founded in 1887 as the Old Taylor Distillery, was restored in 2014 by co-founder Will Arvin with a vision of blending history, craftsmanship, and hospitality. Today, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about bourbon or Kentucky’s rich distilling tradition. The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4, with its cask-strength intensity and heirloom grain, embodies that vision while pushing for a more equitable industry.
For bourbon collectors, this release is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history—both in the glass and in the story it tells. At $175, it’s a premium pour, but one that carries the weight of a century-old legacy and a forward-looking mission. Whether you’re sipping it neat to savor the fig jam and black cardamom notes or sharing it with friends over stories of Kentucky’s past, this whiskey is a conversation starter. With only 204 bottles up for grabs, it won’t last long, so those interested should act fast at castleandkey.com or visit the Louisville retail store.
