Castle & Key Distillery's Landmark Investment in Solar Energy Initiatives

Castle & Key Distillery's Solar Energy Initiative

Castle & Key Distillery, a prominent name in Kentucky's craft spirits industry, has made significant strides towards sustainability with a $2 million investment in solar energy. Recently, the distillery announced the successful completion of Phase 1 of its ambitious solar energy project. This initiative not only underscores the distillery's commitment to renewable energy but also contributes to a greener environment, impacting both the local community and the spirit's production process.

Located in Versailles, Kentucky, Castle & Key's solar project spans more than an acre, positioning the distillery as a leader in renewable energy adoption within the distilling sector. The first phase features 754 solar panels installed on a ground-mounted array, covering a requisite footprint of 20,950 square feet. The operational capacity of this installation is noteworthy, generating 407.16 kW DC and 400 kW AC, with future phases planned to expand this capacity even further.

Will Arvin, the Co-Founder of Castle & Key, emphasized the importance of sustainability within their production processes. “Our solar energy investment is one of the latest steps we're taking to reduce our environmental impact,” he stated. The distillery's commitment is not merely a short-term project but part of an extensive 30-year planning process aimed at enhancing sustainability initiatives.

Moreover, Castle & Key is committed to not just its operations but also to the community. Currently, they utilize around 25% of the solar power generated, while the surplus is redirected back to Kentucky Utilities. This green energy provision is estimated to benefit about 270 to 350 homes in the area based on typical energy consumption metrics. This circular approach to energy usage reinforces the distillery's role as an environmentally-conscious entity in Kentucky.

The project has gained support from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant, a federal initiative designed to assist rural businesses in transitioning to renewable energy, lowering their operating costs, and enhancing energy independence. Such support not only backs their innovative products but also demonstrates the government’s recognition of the importance of renewable energy in rural economic development.

As the first phase concludes, the distillery is already gearing up to embark on Phase 2, expected to commence in spring 2025. This next stage will see the addition of more solar panels and expand their collaboration with responsible partners such as Walnut Grove Farms, Saverglass, Malteurop North America, Speyside Cooperage, and Eurostampa.

Castle & Key has deep roots in Kentucky's distilling history, dating back to 1887. Despite facing years of neglect, the distillery has undergone significant restoration since 2014, transforming into a prime destination for spirit enthusiasts and a symbol of heritage and innovation. Known for its high-quality products, Castle & Key's offerings include Bourbon, Restoration Rye Whiskey, Sacred Spring Vodka, and Roots of Ruin Gin, along with exclusive seasonal releases that showcase the creativity of their research and development team.

For those curious about Castle & Key’s expanding spirit offerings and sustainability endeavors, more information can be found at CastleAndKey.com or on their Instagram page @CastleandKey. Their commitment towards sustainability resonates not only with environmental efforts but also enriches the cultural tapestry of Kentucky's rich distilling heritage.