Peerless Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Slow to open up beyond the initial heat from this high proof punch in the nose. Let it breathe, and vanilla comes pouring out with some smoky caramel. Plus, loads of rye and white pepper replace the earlier heat that was all alcohol as it calms. Dig deep enough, and some fruit is perceptible, both Fuji apple and chocolate covered strawberries. No surprise it’s hot on the tongue, with lots of pepper and an herbaceous bite to boot. There’s a sweet & sour thing going on here, like bread and butter pickles. Beneath cayenne and dill there’s brown sugar, rhubarb, allspice, and cumin. Then, a hint of cherry old timey candy rounds out the palate. Full bodied with a chewy texture, once feeling returns to your tongue. In the glass it falls quickly and thickly, but forms no legs. The finish is dry, with plenty of charred wood, hints of raisin and dried apple, a little cocoa, plus some lingering pepper in the throat and citrus on the tongue. Holds up beautifully to an ice ball in a rocks glass, where I think this whiskey really shines. Nose: 9 Taste: 8 Body: 8 Finish: 9

Nose, Pipe tobacco marries ripe summer fruit and seasoned oak. Aromas of sweet caramel and butterscotch mingle in. A healthy dose of heat is also present, but merely to the extent that it reminds you of the bourbon’s proof. Good overall, but not memorable. Palate, A heavy dose of caramel intermingles with a punch of savory tobacco. Toasted marshmallows, barrel char, and light butterscotch echo in the background. Light rye spice weaves in towards the end. It’s surprisingly modest considering the proof, and has a great mouthfeel resulting in an impressive sip overall. Finish, Rye spice from the palate intensifies, with a nice balance of sweet caramel alongside it. Ripe fruit emerges, and to a small butterscotch reappear. Despite the emergence of additional flavors, spice remains the highlight in this satisfying, medium-length finish.

Batch 57, 110.5 proof Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Salted caramel and chocolate with some oak and leather notes. Palate: Cinnamon and baking spice, with more oak and leather. Finish: Medium length, medium heat. Splash: The oak and leather become more prominent with a few drops of water. Overall: 9/10 - Considering this is their base offering, Peerless really brings their A game. The 110.5 proof appears to be their barrel entry, and although this isn’t a single barrel, it drinks below its proof and has as complex a character as many single barrels costing $20 or more above the price. I’m excited to see what else they come up with, but glad that this is as accessible as it is. I’ll definitely try it in cocktails.

I've had Peerless on my radar for a long time, but it just kept evading me by reason of availability, as well as price. When I saw it on the bourbon list, while out for dinner with the Mrs. tonight, I went for it... The nose was instantly promising, with a very prominent butterscotch note. Reminded me of Henry McKenna 10 Year (which I count amongst my all-time favorites), along with some familiar oak and leather. The palate followed closely on the nose with sweet caramel, oak, and some cinnamon on the finish. I enjoyed this so much, I ordered a second glass. A real solid pour. I think I may have discovered a new favorite, and I'm going to grab me a bottle as soon as I can locate one.

Color: very dark amber. Verrrrry slow both slow forming and moving legs. Nose: I get a lot of spice on the nose. I get the bourbon caramel scent if you make it past the spice. The spice is primary. It’s actually crazy. I get caramel in my left nostril and heavy spice in the right. Taste: a heavy caramel with some heat. It feels like I’m tasting the char from the barrel. It is super heavy but not in a bad way. There is some light rye spice in the end, but you don’t notice it mostly. Finish?: medium long finish with some spice when you focus on it. Water?: good without water!

Neck pour. Rested neat in a glen for 15. Nose: predominantly burnt brown sugar and maple pancakes. One of the nicest, sweetest nose bourbons I’ve smelled to date. Palate: immediately sweet vanilla, raisins, rye pops a bit Finish: cinnamon / red hots, skewing a little towards an allspice; pleasant heat at the end with faint barrel char Thoughts: I’ve been wanting to try this for a while (have heard great things about their Double Oaked variety). I realize it’s coming in young with NAS (claimed to be at ~4 years), but this is kind of difficult to justify at its price point.