The History of Kentucky Peerless
Kentucky Peerless is one of those that come back from the dead type, family-owned Kentucky distillery stories you like to end up being a success, which, in this case, they are. Initially established in 1889 by Henry Kraver, who carried what would eventually become the brand’s legacy until he died in 1938, it was later resurrected in 2013 by Corky Taylor, 4th Generation, and Carson Taylor, 5th Generation.
Having succeeded in 2014 in getting back the original Peerless Kentucky Distilled Spirits Plant Number from the first Peerless Distillery in Henderson, Kentucky, in the 1800s, Peerless (DSP-KY-50) put to barrel in 2015 its first new whiskey since 1917 (the year Kraver stopped producing alcohol). What is now the new Peerless distillery in Louisville, which opened to the public that same year, resulting in what is, years later, a popular Kentucky whiskey tourist destination and a producer of multiple award-winning spirits.
What Is Toasted Bourbon?
Toasted bourbon is a type of bourbon finished in barrels that have been toasted—gently heated at low temperatures to caramelize the wood’s natural sugars—rather than heavily charred. This process enhances the bourbon’s sweetness and smoothness, adding rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and spices making it a unique and approachable variation.
The whiskey being reviewed here, Kentucky Peerless Toasted Bourbon (Batch 2), is aged in two separate oak barrels. It is initially aged in a standard, char level 3 barrel. The already barrel-aged whiskey is then placed in a toasted barrel to finish. The toasted barrel is said to add more complexity to the tasting profile, and “the unique aging process allows for an elevated nose and palate.”
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“We hand-select each barrel for the finishing process,” said Peerless Head Taster John Wadell when this bourbon was released. “We chose a medium toast for the barrel finish because it contains less tannins, resulting in a more aromatic whiskey with warm, sweet, savory character and strong vanilla overtones.”
How Much Is Kentucky Peerless Toasted Bourbon Batch 2?
Kentucky Peerless Toasted Bourbon (Batch 2) is bottled at 109.4 proof and retails for $125.
This review was originally published in August 2024, and updated in December 2024.
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