Kentucky is filled with passionate people and there is proof of this all over the state. Those dedicated to pursuing their passions, while maintaining and celebrating their Kentucky roots, are particularly special as they only make our Bluegrass State more intriguing and alluring. We often see historic properties brought back to life and made into homes, restaurants, bed & breakfasts or other destinations.

One particular property in Frankfort was purchased in 2014 and the passionate team behind it has been bringing it back to life ever since. Castle & Key is the stunning, castle inspired distillery that's opening has been much anticipated. You can now take a behind the scenes tour that highlights the restoration and we have a sneak peek at what you'll experience.

The 114 acres that make up the Castle & Key property are filled with history, beauty...and promise.

In 1887, legendary distiller Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. purchased the property with a vision for a unique destination that would celebrate not only the art of distilling, but the natural beauty of Kentucky and the architecture that he had built on the land. In short, it was the very beginning of bourbon tourism and an aspect that Kentucky is so well known for today. After changing owners many times, the property was left abandoned in 1972 and stayed that way until 2014, when another Kentuckian came along with a lofty vision.

Founding Partners, Will Arvin and Wes Murry have been hard at work restoring this majestic property, while also instilling a sense of innovation. As a simple philosophy, they aim to "Respect history. Challenge Tradition."

They recruited Marianne Barnes, who had proven her talent, passion, and dedication in the business of distilling and with Castle & Key, she is now Kentucky’s first female bourbon Master Distiller since Prohibition.

This team has been hard at work, not taking any shortcuts, and bringing the buildings, gardens, and the rest of the property back into use as a distillery, event space, and visitor destination for tastings and tours, among other things. Castle & Key is not open regular hours for the public yet, however, you can now take a Restoration Experience Tour, as they pull back the curtain on all of the excitement and progress happening around the 114 acres.

While on the tour, you'll learn about the meticulous process of creating fine bourbon, vodka, and gin and see spaces such as the fermenting tanks, shown above.

Everything is done on site, so there is also a large warehouse, shown above. The tour does require closed toed shoes and a signed waiver and you must be over the age of 18. It is all still an active construction site, and you'll be amazed at the progress made and what's to come.

Some of the main spaces are near completion and you'll get to see and imagine what it will be like to come back and visit what will surely be a flourishing Kentucky destination.

The Tasting Room, above, is intimate and rustic, with modern touches. It perfectly matches the history and vision for the distillery.

The Visitor Center will impress you from the moment you walk into the large, jaw-dropping space.

There are original stone walls, vaulted ceilings, castle inspired large chandeliers, and plenty of wood and iron accents.

On the tour, you'll walk the grounds and see how the original owner's grand vision has been lovingly brought back to life.

The Springhouse is a one-of-a-kind feature and arguably the most beautiful spot on the property. The gardens have been professionally planted and groomed and do evoke feelings of walking through a castle landscape.

While these photos and sneak peek are intriguing, you simply must see the progress and vision for the historic Castle & Key in person.

The Restoration Experience Tour is available for a limited time, so make sure to visit their website now, linked below, to book your tour. You'll be in a small group and given an intimate look at how this treasured Kentucky property and pastime has been passionately restored.

Castle & Key is run by passionate Kentuckians who are ensuring that they do this historic property, its former owner and distiller, and those who will visit, justice as a sought after destination. As we wait patiently for the Bourbon and other spirits, thankfully we can head behind the scenes and see how all the magic is taking place.

For more information on Castle & Key and to book the Restoration Experience Tour, visit their website here. And also follow along with them on Facebook here to stay up-to-date on all of the happenings at the distillery.

And if you love castles and structures like this, check out our castle road trip from a previous article here.