Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. has unveiled its highly anticipated Toasted Rye Batch 2. The rye whiskey will begin rolling out nationwide this July 12th.
Kentucky Peerless Toasted Rye Batch 2
The Louisville-based distillery’s latest batch presents a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional rye whiskeys. Tasting notes describe “a decadent swirl of toasted honeysuckle ice cream and soft floral nectar, balanced by blackberry jam and candied orange peel.” The whiskey features aromas of vanilla pudding, banana bread, and warm spices including cinnamon and clove.
The double-barrel aging process distinguishes this release from standard rye whiskeys. Peerless ages the spirit first in char level 3 barrels before transferring it to medium-toast barrels for finishing. This secondary maturation adds layers of complexity while reducing tannins, resulting in what the distillery describes as a more aromatic whiskey.
Batch 2 follows the March 2025 release of Batch 1, which saw great success and praise from consumers. The new batch carries a suggested retail price of $109.99 and will be available through the company’s standard distribution channels beginning next week.
Revival of Historic Kentucky Peerless Toasted Rye Recipe
The toasted rye represents a significant milestone in the Taylor family’s whiskey-making legacy. Peerless Head Taster John Wadell emphasized the historical importance of rye to the distillery at the time of Batch 1’s release, stating: “May 2017 marked a historic moment for Kentucky Peerless and the Taylor family. On that day, we released our first brown spirit in over a century: a rye whiskey.”
The distillery’s commitment to hand-selecting barrels for the finishing process ensures consistency across batches. Wadell explained that the medium toast level was specifically chosen because “it contains less tannins, which results in a more aromatic whiskey with warm, sweet, savory character and strong vanilla overtones.”
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Employee enthusiasm for the product has driven the decision to expand distribution nationally. The distillery reports that the toasted rye has become a favorite among staff members and early consumers who sampled the initial batch.
