Frankfort, KY – July X, 2024 – Blade meets barrel in the ultimate collaboration between Castle & Key Distillery and GiantMouse Knives. Beginning August 24, the historic distillery and high-quality knife maker will release a limited-edition box set: Castle & Key Distiller’s Blade paired with a corresponding numbered bottle of Castle & Key Single Barrel Bourbon. Only 100 sets with black titanium handle scales, a sleek dark PVD-finished steel blade, and copper details on the backspacer and pivot collar will be available for purchase at the distillery shop ($400). An additional 100 numbered sets ($XXX) with blue anodized titanium handle scales, a stonewashed steel blade, and similar copper accents, will be available for purchase on CastleandKey.com and GiantMouse.com. Each design encapsulates the elegance and integrity of the distillery’s spirit, making it a coveted collectible for enthusiasts of fine knives and fine bourbon alike.
The idea of GiantMouse was formed over drinks one evening during a US knife show in 2015. Danish designers / knifemakers Jens Ansø and Jesper Voxnaes (Vox), along with their American entrepreneur friend Jim Wirth, decided that they could build a better mousetrap, so to speak. Drawing inspiration from a profound two-day immersion and barrel tasting with the Castle & Key team at their historic distillery in Frankfort, KY, the GiantMouse team crafted the Castle & Key Distiller’s Blade to reflect the artistry and tradition of its namesake. Each element, from the robust titanium, to the refined copper accents, is a tribute to the standard of excellence in product design that Castle & Key is known for.
“The Castle & Key Distillers Blade is our modern take on the gentleman’s folder,” says Jim Wirth, Founder and CEO of GiantMouse. “GiantMouse took a classic concept and designed a contemporary version using modern materials. Titanium, steel, and elegant copper accents pay homage to the Castle & Key distillery’s craft and the beauty of bourbon. Production proceeds only after the entire GiantMouse team conducts a thorough review and testing of prototypes and production samples, and this finished knife is one we would proudly carry and use ourselves.”
“At Castle & Key, craftsmanship and community is at the core of everything we do,” says Brett Connors, Lead Blender, Castle & Key Distillery. “The creative minds behind GiantMouse never disappoint with their knives that are pieces of art and also tell a story. Our collaboration reinforces our dedication to research, development, production, and high-quality design that is reflective in the Kentucky spirits we produce. The Castle & Key Distillers Blade is a bourbon-inspired knife that is personal, functional, and truly one-of-a-kind.”
For information about Castle & Key’s spirit offerings, tours, and tastings, please visit CastleAndKey.com or follow @CastleandKey on Instagram. For more information about GiantMouse’s full collection of knives, please visit GiantMouse.com or @GiantMouseKnives on Instagram.
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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. The facility expertly juxtaposes historic architecture and spirits production alongside expansive gardens and public spaces designed by famed fine gardener Jon Carloftis.
The blending team, led by Head Blender Brett Connors, works to accentuate the quality of the spirits produced by the distillers and diverse maturation environments. Castle & Key’s core portfolio includes annual releases of Bourbon, Restoration Rye Whiskey, Sacred Spring Vodka, and Roots of Ruin Gin. Additionally, limited-time, seasonal, and distillery-only exclusives highlight the efforts and innovation of the distillery’s research and development team. ABOUT GIANTMOUSE [BOILERPLATE]
FOR THE KENTUCKY/LOCAL MEDIA
To launch the collaboration, Castle & Key and GiantMouse will be hosting a pre-release “Meet the Maker” event at Castle & Key Distillery on Friday, August 23 from 6pm-8pm. Tickets are available on castleandkey.com and priced at $30; capacity is limited. Guest ticket includes a tasting of the GiantMouse X Castle & Key selected single barrel, cask strength Bourbon. In addition, attendees will have the first opportunity to purchase the limited-edition box set featuring a bottle of the Single Barrel Bourbon selected by The GiantMouse team paired with the GiantMouse X Castle & Key collab knife. Each set includes a corresponding bottle (1-30) and a knife (1-30), an extremely rare collectible.
The event will include an open Q&A session with the visionaries behind this collaboration: GiantMouse CEO Jim Wirth, Co-Designer Jesper Voxanes, Castle & Key Owner Will Arvin, and Lead Blender Brett Connors, who will share the story behind this unique collaboration and insights into product design and development.
*Please note that the pairing of the knife and bottle numbers will be determined by the booking order and accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier a ticket is booked, the lower the number of the exclusive set received, ranging from 1 to 30.
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