Blade meets barrel in a forthcoming collaboration between Castle & Key Distillery and GiantMouse Knives.

Beginning August 24, the historic distillery and premium knife brand 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 ($325) with blue anodized titanium handle scales, a stonewashed steel blade, and similar copper accents will be available for purchase on the companies’ respective websites.

The idea of GiantMouse was formed over drinks one evening during a U.S. 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 designed 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.  Each knife has been produced to exacting standards in Maniago, Italy.

The distillery will host a release “Meet the Maker” event at the distillery retail shop on Saturday, August 23 from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; no reservations or tickets required, supplies limited. It’s an opportunity to meet the team behind the collaboration, GiantMouse CEO Jim Wirth, Co-Designer Jesper Voxnaes, and Castle & Key Lead Blender Brett Connors, who will share insights into product design and development. 

“The Castle & Key Distillers Blade is our modern take on the gentleman’s folder,” Jim Wirth, Founder and CEO of GiantMouse, said in a news release. “GiantMouse took a classic concept and designed a contemporary version using modern materials. Titanium, steel, and elegant copper accents pay homage to the … 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.”

“The creative minds behind GiantMouse never disappoint with their knives that are pieces of art and also tell a story,” Connors said. “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 we will be proud to carry and use ourselves.” 

For information about Castle & Key’s spirit offerings, tours, and tastings, visit CastleAndKey.com. For more information about GiantMouse’s full collection of knives, visit GiantMouse.com.    

Read more: Castle & Key to Release Untold Story Chapter 3 

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. The distillery’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.