
Bourbon's Hallowed Ground
Client
Castle & Key
Frankfort, KY
Overview
Castle & Key is a one-of-a-kind distillery that calls a historic Bourbon-country property home. Castle & Key had been running for several years before a vendor recommended that they contact Thoroughbred. Will, the owner, and his team had a beautiful vision and had already made significant progress, but Castle & Key had now reached a new level and faced challenges and questions they couldn’t answer. That’s where Thoroughbred came into play.
Challenges
- Changing course of an established brand and company
Results
- Growing national presence
- Strengthened brand and strategy
- A solid strategy and team for success





Will Arvin
Castle & Key Distillery
"Thanks to the support from Scott and his team at Thoroughbred, we've been able to refine our processes, elevate our brand presence, and achieve remarkable milestones in a highly competitive market. We highly recommend Thoroughbred Spirits to any distillery seeking a dedicated partner for strategic growth and long-term success."
When Thoroughbred first visited the property, it was in early revival. There was a lot of construction happening, coupled with numerous weeds and signs of disrepair—but that made it all the more inspiring. Beginning with General Advisory to consult on needs at a high level, the needs progressed to assistance with Brand Strategy, Route-to-Market, Re-organization, Contract Services, Executive Coaching, Key Personnel Hiring, and more. The result is strengthened leadership and a repositioned sales and marketing team ready for national growth. The brand is now in over 15 markets, have one of the preeminent tour destinations on the Kentucky Craft Bourbon Trail, and is well on its way to building the next legacy of their historic property.
Will, owner of Castle & Key Distillery adds: At Castle & Key Distillery, we've had the privilege of partnering with Thoroughbred Spirits for our brand development and operational growth, and the experience has been nothing short of exceptional. Their team's expertise in the craft spirits industry, combined with their deep understanding of brand storytelling and market strategy, has played a pivotal role in our success. From concept to execution, Thoroughbred Spirits has been a true collaborator, guiding us through every stage of our distillery's evolution with professionalism and insight. Their experience, commitment to quality, attention to detail, and passion for the craft are evident in everything they do.