Peerless Small Batch Bourbon is a bottle I have walked past on the shelves of the liquor store countless times. I always walked past it because of the none traditional bottle that always made me think of the beer Piels and the style of bottles they used in the 1970s (wow, I’m old). I actually stopped to look at the bottle and saw the proof was in my wheelhouse so I decided to take a chance.
The story of Peerless begins as Worsham Distilling Company, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company when in began in Henderson, Kentucky in the early 1880s. In 1889 Peerless Whiskey production began to flourish under the leadership of the entrepreneur Henry Kraver. Kraver wasted no time making upgrades to machinery and investing in additional warehouses that eventually became U.S. Federally Bonded following the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. It was at this time production skyrockets from eight to over 200 barrels a day.
Through the early 1920s, the Peerless federally-bonded warehouses were used for whiskey storage under the armed protection of the U.S. Government and during Prohibition, Peerless product was one of the few available by prescription for medicinal use.
The original Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. was Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) number 50.
Though five generations have been connected to Peerless the family namesake was revived by Kraver’s great-grandson, Corky Taylor and his son, Carson Taylor. They have restored the history by designing and rebuilding the remarkable distillery as it exists in downtown Louisville today.
Bourbon Review: Peerless Small Batch Bourbon
Batch No.: 60
ABV: 54.1 (108.2 Proof)
Age: NAS (At least 4 Years)
Mash Bill: Not Disclosed
Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
Location: Louisville, KY (USA)
The Nose: The initial pull from the aroma of the glass reminds me of clean small of the morning dew after a heavy overnight thunderstorm has rolled through. There is also a wonderful aroma of sunflowers, caramel and butterscotch that linger in the background. Letting the glass sit for a while sees marshmallow and subtle heat that serves as an afterthought.
The Taste: Black Cherries are the initial profile with nuances of rhubarb, and rye. The bourbon is smooth but a bit thin in flavor and mouthfeel. Subsequent sips see caramel, cinnamon and oak but none of them really grab on to the palate.
The Finish: An abundance of rye lingers on a long finish which makes be believe this bottle has a mash bill of 15-18% rye. Additionally there are hints of pecans, wood and the slightest touch of honey.
Conclusion: I was expecting and hoping for more. The flavors are thin and the finish is long with too much heat and not enough character that makes it something that will probably sit on my bar for quite some time. While not a terrible bourbon there are a lot better options for my palate at a similar or lower price point. Peerless enters the barrel at a low 107 proof making this 108.2 Barrel Proof bourbon less prolific than others in the the category.
Score: 82
Price: $74.99
