Peerless Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye

111.5 proof, barrel/bottle S/N 150616105. It's been quite some time since I've actually been to Peerless, but I remember being furious because, at the time, they did not produce a bourbon and yet were still allowed on the Bourbon Trail. Since then, although I was plenty convinced that they produce absolutely fantastic rye whiskey, I always associated the brand with being pretentious, and more concerned about sales and celebrity endorsements before any standard customers. This half drank bottle that I now own was the result of me stealing it during a morale event at the end of a mission, but I'll get to that later. I had forgotten how every product that Peerless produces is barrel proof, and if that isn't one of the best decisions a distillery can make, a better one is unknown to me. This also contributes quite well to the very deep, woody, caramel color that is also in the glass. The rye on the nose is in the middle of the road, both aged down to a pleasant cinnamon as well as still having young, brighter notes of grass and bread. Great charred barrel notes of caramel and vanilla are also easily present, suggesting new barrel use each time, which I can't remember to confirm or not. The oak is the first flavor here, but the first available note from it is more on the raw side of things. This moves into some cocoa powder, refined rye bread, fresh cinnamon and other baking spices, and a herbaceous medley that never comes to any one specific thing. The rye does a great job of getting into the gums, as any good rye whiskey does, but so does the younger notes of the oak and grain, so the finish isn't as spicy as I would have liked. Peerless is no doubt a creator of absolutely fine rye whiskey, and being one of the very few choosers of sweet mash AND predominantly being a rye distillery, they are definitely a landmark that is worth visiting. However, $90 MSRP for a bottle of rye is not worth it, not from them or any other distillery that I've ever discovered. Given that all I paid for this was a "talking to" from the mission OIC, I'd say everything turned out a pretty standard issue win for me.

Tremendous rye that bourbon drinkers can really enjoy. Not a dilly rye but does cary a prominent amount of rye spice. Bit of cherry on the back end which is not characteristicly rye. Very nice finish whixh lingers warmly in the chest and some very pleasent spiciness remaining on the palate. How these guys pack the amount of flavor in a rye that is likely around 4 years old is very admirable. I wish the price was lower but honestly in 2023 with other brands raising prices this one becomes more inline as their prices have remained flat .

This is a solid rye. IMO it should be in the $50 or $60 range but i wouldn't feel super bad about msrp. Mine was the 4 yr 112.6 proof. Rich and flavorful rye not overbearing but has some kick. Sweet and light spice. A little like wild turkey rare breed rye. Good!

I really like this bottle. It is spicy, it has tons of flavor. On the nose, aged fruit, orange, some cherry, and baking spices. On the palate, very spicy, with toasted orange, baking spices, and some smoke; after a third sip I got more vanilla. It is pleasant.

Nose is amazing! Would like more flavor. Drinks smooth like water.

Cinnamon and citrus mostly, bit of wood too. Again finish is drier