Product Details
About the Brand
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. boasts a remarkable history, originating in the 1880s in Henderson, Kentucky, under the leadership of Henry Kraver. The distillery flourished until Prohibition forced its closure. In a rare and ambitious revival, Kraver's great-grandson, Corky Taylor, and his son, Carson Taylor, resurrected the family legacy in 2013, establishing a state-of-the-art distillery in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. They even regained the original Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) number 50, a symbol of their direct lineage.
Philosophy & Production: Peerless is distinguished by its meticulous "grain-to-bottle" approach, meaning every step of production – from milling the grains to cooking, fermenting, double-distilling, barreling, and bottling – occurs entirely under one roof. They are known for their sweet mash fermentation, a less common method that results in a cleaner, often sweeter, and more consistent spirit. They also commit to non-chill filtration, which preserves the natural oils and esters in the whiskey, contributing to a fuller body and richer flavor. Their core products include acclaimed Straight Rye Whiskey and Straight Bourbon Whiskey, both celebrated for their quality and complexity, often bottled at barrel proof. This commitment to quality and historical authenticity makes Peerless a highly respected name in the whiskey world.
Taste Notes
General Profile: This is a barrel-finished bourbon, with the unique element being its maturation in American Apple Brandy Barrels. This finish is designed to impart distinctive fruit and sweet characteristics to the bourbon base, creating a truly unique profile.
Aroma: The nose is quite aromatic, with prominent notes of sweet apple, honey, and rich caramel. There should also be classic bourbon aromas of vanilla and oak, perhaps with a hint of cinnamon or other baking spices from the bourbon's original aging. The apple brandy influence should be noticeable, bringing a fresh, orchard fruit dimension.
Palate: On the palate, anticipate a harmonious blend of the bourbon's inherent sweetness (vanilla, caramel, brown sugar) with the vibrant fruitiness of the apple brandy. Look for flavors of bright apricot, baked apple, and perhaps a subtle hint of apple pie spice. The oak from the bourbon aging should provide structure and a pleasant dryness.
Finish: The finish is designed to be unique and balanced, leaning towards a combination of sweet and spicy. You'll likely experience a lingering apple sweetness that gently fades into a warm, peppery or spicy note, characteristic of a well-aged bourbon. The finish should be clean and memorable.
Food Pairings
With its distinctive apple brandy finish offering sweet apple, honey, and caramel notes, this bourbon naturally complements specific foods.
For desserts, classic apple pie or baked apples are a perfect match, amplifying its fruit character. Creamy desserts like crème brûlée or caramel-focused treats also draw out its sweet complexities.
On the savory side, pork dishes, especially roast pork loin with apple or applewood smoked bacon, create a harmonious duo. Soft, creamy cheeses like brie, or charcuterie with fruit preserves, provide excellent balance to its fruity sweetness.
