The Narrative:
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company has a storied history in the industry. Beginning in Henderson, Kentucky in the early 1880’s under the leadership of Henry Kraver. He is the ancestor to the current owners of the distilling company. They are one of the first families to validate through historic records their lineage and re-acquire their original Distilled Spirits Plant number; DSP-KY-50. The distillery was revived by Kraver’s great-grandson, Corky Taylor and his son, Carson Taylor. Their Louisville facility is one of the most automated distilleries around the country. The company launched its product on the market in 2017.
Peerless Straight Rye Whiskey
Origin: Louisville, Kentucky
Distiller: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
Mashbill: Most likely around 61% Rye/31% Corn/8% Barley; Strictly Sweet Mash
Cask: Full sized barrels; charred oak
Age: 2 Year age stated
ABV/Proof: 54.5%/ 109.0 Proof
Also: Barrel Proof, Non-Chill Filtered and No Water Added.
Price: Varies slightly by Region. Usually above $100 (This bottle was graciously gifted to me by my brother)
Additional: Rural Inn Single Barrel Selection: Indiana’s 1st Fruit
Mashbill
" It has a complexity for its age that other two year ryes I have don't."
Peerless Straight Rye Whiskey Single Barrel Select Review
Color: Light mahogany
Nose/Aroma: It definitely has a fruit forward nose. I’m getting a lot of notes of citrus, corn undertone, cinnamon, spice, apple, ginger, honey, pepper, caramel, spicy oak, tobacco.
Palate/Body: Lots of spice up front following dark fruits, cherry, cinnamon, caramel, spicy oak. This is full body with a rich and very creamy texture. This whiskey is delicious on the palette.
Finish: Really solid finish on this one for its age. A finish that lingers with cherry, chocolate, tobacco and a final corn note.
Overall: I was really surprised by this whiskey. This is a great rye for being two years in age. It has a complexity for its age that other two year ryes I have don’t. Not saying that the other bottles are bad but this expression offers something more for what it is. I’m excited for what this new-old distillery can produce in the years ahead. After the experience with their rye whiskey I will be looking forward to the bourbon. They will be releasing it at a minimum of four years in age around 2019. In the meantime, this is a rye whiskey to seek out for the early experience into Kentucky Peerless’ distilling process.
Have you had this particular bottle or another release? What did you think? Leave a comment below!
Drink well friends! 🥃👍
