Rise from the Ruins

Guests joined co-hosts Will Arvin, Castle & Key owner, and Jon Carloftis, designer of Castle & Key’s award-winning gardens, for cocktails in the Sunken Garden. Following cocktail hour, guests made their way through the property to an immersive dinner experience in the ruins of Warehouse A, allowing them to experience Castle & Key as it once was—abandoned and overgrown for nearly half a century. The evening featured a menu curated by Lexington’s lauded proprietor and chef of The Apiary, Cooper Vaughan, showcasing flavors from the grounds of Castle & Key, including herbs from the Gin Garden and bourbon cocktail pairings.

Special Thanks to:
VisitLex

May 16, 2024

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Will and Shannon Arvin.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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The Gardener’s Delight cocktail featuring Castle & Key Sacred Spring Vodka, tomato-cucumber garden water, and lime juice.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Jon Carloftis, Rebecca Darwin, G&G CEO and president, and Stephen J.P. Davis.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Aleah and Will Rouse.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Fried oysters on the half shell with grilled scallion tartar sauce.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Christine Williams, G&G director, integrated marketing; Mary Quinn Ramer, VisitLex president; and Jana Robinson, Robinson Media owner.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Nate Frederick and Zac Frederick.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Escort cards adorned with vintage skeleton keys.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Tablescapes elegantly designed by The Apiary.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Cooper Vaughan.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Spring burrata salad with ramp and walnut pesto.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Dinner in the shadow of Warehouse B.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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The ruins of Castle & Key Distillery.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

A magazine cover with a cocktail

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