We recently connected with Will Arvin and have shared our conversation below.

Will, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

We differentiate ourselves from the industry standard, reflecting the values we hold dear. One of the core principles we uphold is our unwavering commitment to maintaining complete control over our production processes. Unlike some bourbon distilleries, we have never outsourced any aspect of our production; from sourcing the grains and ingredients to distillation and bottling. We prioritize local sourcing, ensuring that our ingredients come from nearby farms whenever possible. By keeping the entire production process close to home, we believe we can create spirits of exceptional quality. Our customers and clients appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every bottle we produce.

This decision presented significant challenges, especially considering the extensive restoration costs we incurred to revive our distillery. Producing high-quality bourbon requires time, as it must mature gracefully over the years. To navigate this challenge, we introduced our gin and vodka to the market while patiently awaiting our brown spirits to reach maturity, This not only generated early revenue but also allowed us to establish our brand and reputation.

This commitment to an in-house approach is not the easy or inexpensive way to operate, but we firmly believe it is worth every effort. It aligns with our vision of producing spirits that carry the Castle & Key label with pride knowing that every element of their creation was guided by our passion and expertise.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The idea of owning a distillery first came to me while drinking a glass of bourbon at Keeneland Race Course in 2012. At the time, I was a career lawyer and knew absolutely nothing about bourbon besides the fact that I enjoyed drinking it. It was while I was watching the races and sipping on my drink that I realized I wanted to do something else with my life. I wanted to pursue a passion and not just a job. That evening, I went home to do an internet search on distilleries for sale, and the Old Taylor Distillery popped up. Little did I know at that moment the journey had just begun…

This endeavor presented an exciting opportunity to combine my entrepreneurial spirit with my love for bourbon. As a founder and business owner, my philosophy is centered around creating a small, family-oriented environment while striving for extraordinary output. I believe in surrounding myself with a talented and creative team that shares the same dedication and passion for our craft.

There have been a number of noteworthy, proud moments at Castle & Key. The restoration of Castle & Key has been a monumental undertaking that has taken years of work and planning. Seeing the first barrel roll into our newly restored 100+ year old rick house, filling our first fermenter with mash, and tasting the first drop of white dog from the still were exciting moments in our evolution. I’m most proud, though, of our dedicated, passionate and talented team, who have collectively worked hard and given so much of their time, energy, and talents to make this all happen.

What sets us apart is our dedication to honoring the history of bourbon but challenging the tradition and embracing innovation. We reimagine Kentucky spirits by creating consistently high-quality expressions that are unique with each release, allowing us to showcase the diversity and artistry of our craft. We take pride in our attention to detail, the passion of our team, and our commitment to creating exceptional spirits.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, we want them to know that Castle & Key is more than just a distillery; it’s a place where craftsmanship, hospitality, and passion converge. We are stewards of bourbon history. We invite everyone to join us on this journey, experience our carefully crafted products, and be part of the rich legacy we are creating.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As you’ve heard, this project became much greater than I ever imagined. Initially, we thought we were going to make a barrel a day and open in the fall of 2016. After further inspection of the property, equipment, and our mission to be a brand recognized around the world, we quickly set our sights higher. After countless years of restoration, we finally had a target date for the grand opening of the distillery to outside guests. However, just four weeks prior to the grand opening, in August of 2018, a sudden and severe rain event caused a flash flood that wreaked havoc on our property. The Sunken Garden, which had been meticulously restored, was completely flooded and left in a state of destruction. The floor of the Castle, where all production takes place, was so flooded with creek water that, in some parts, you were in water chest-high. It was a devastating setback, especially considering the immense effort we had put into preparing for our grand opening.

However, what initially seemed like a hopeless situation turned into a remarkable display of resilience and community support. Without hesitation, our entire team, donning boots and gloves, rallied together to tackle the immense task of restoring the grounds. But it wasn’t just our team; members of the community also came forward to lend a helping hand.

The flood became a unifying force, bringing our team and the community closer than ever before. Together, we worked tirelessly to clean up the mess, rebuild what was damaged, and ensure that our grand opening event could still take place as planned.

On September 19th, 2018, despite the challenges we had faced just weeks prior, we successfully hosted the grand opening of the distillery to the public. It was a testament to our resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of our team and the community. It reinforced the importance of our shared passion and commitment to our craft, and it deepened the bonds between our team members and the community we serve.

We are incredibly proud of how we turned a tragic event into a blessing in disguise, and it serves as a constant reminder of the strength and resilience that define Castle & Key Distillery.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my life was when I made the decision to transition from practicing law to pursuing my passion for bourbon. Despite a successful legal career, I felt a deep longing to immerse myself in the craft of spirits and contribute to the rich history of Kentucky bourbon.

Leaving behind my established profession, I embarked on a journey of learning and transformation. I dedicated myself to understanding the art of bourbon making, seeking guidance from industry experts, and assembling a talented team who shared my vision.

This career pivot allowed me to follow my passion, combine my entrepreneurial spirit with the world of bourbon, and revitalize a significant piece of Kentucky’s distilling heritage. I am proud of the resilience and perseverance displayed throughout this journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the spirits industry in a meaningful way.

Contact Info:

• Website: castleandkey.com
• Instagram: @castleandkey
• Facebook: @castleandkey
• Linkedin: castle-key-distillery
• Twitter: @castleandkey
• Youtube: @castleandkey
• Yelp: Castle & Key Distillery

Image Credits
Malicote Photography