Peerless Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

The high proof of this spirit initially presents heat, making it slow to reveal its complexity beyond that. With aeration, vanilla and smoky caramel emerge, accompanied by rye and white pepper, softening the initial alcohol intensity. Deeper exploration reveals hints of Fuji apple and chocolate-covered strawberries. Predictably, it's hot on the palate with a peppery, herbaceous kick. A sweet and sour dynamic unfolds, reminiscent of bread and butter pickles, with notes of cayenne, dill, brown sugar, rhubarb, allspice, and cumin, finishing with a touch of old-fashioned cherry candy. It has a full body and a chewy texture once the palate recovers. Although it descends the glass quickly and thickly without forming legs, the finish is dry, featuring charred wood, notes of raisin and dried apple, some cocoa, and lingering pepper in the throat with citrus on the tongue. Adding an ice ball significantly enhances this whiskey, allowing it to truly shine. Nose: 9 Taste: 8 Body: 8 Finish: 9

Aroma: Pipe tobacco blends with ripe summer fruit and seasoned oak. Scents of sweet caramel and butterscotch are also present. A considerable amount of heat is noticeable, just enough to acknowledge the bourbon's proof. A good experience overall, though not unforgettable. Palate: A strong caramel presence mingles with a kick of savory tobacco. Toasted marshmallows, barrel char, and mild butterscotch appear in the background. A light rye spice emerges toward the end. It's surprisingly understated considering the proof, and its excellent mouthfeel results in an impressive sip. Finish: The rye spice from the palate intensifies, complemented by a nice balance of sweet caramel. Ripe fruit appears, and a touch of butterscotch returns. Despite the introduction of additional flavors, spice remains the dominant characteristic in this satisfying, medium-length finish.

Batch 57, 110.5 proof Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Caramel with sea salt and chocolate, plus some oak and leather nuances. Palate: Cinnamon and baking spices, with further oak and leather. Finish: Medium duration, moderate heat. Splash: The oak and leather gain prominence with a few drops of water. Overall: 9/10 - For their foundational release, Peerless truly excels. The 110.5 proof seems to be their barrel entry point, and while not a single barrel, it tastes lighter than its proof and possesses a complexity rivalling many single barrels priced $20+ higher. I'm eager to see their future creations, but pleased this is readily available. I will certainly experiment with it in mixed drinks.

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 my wife 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. Legs form and move very, very slowly. Nose: I detect a lot of spice on the nose. If you can get past the spice, I get the bourbon caramel scent. The spice is dominant. It's quite striking. I smell caramel in my left nostril and intense spice in the right. Taste: Heavy caramel with some heat. It feels like tasting the barrel's char. It's very intense but not in a negative way. There's a subtle rye spice at the end, but it's mostly unnoticeable. Finish?: Medium-long finish with some spice if you pay close attention. Water?: Enjoyable without water!

First pour. Left to sit in a glass for 15 minutes. Smell: Mostly charred brown sugar and maple breakfast cakes. This is one of the best, sweetest smells I've encountered from a bourbon in a long time. Taste: Instantly sweet vanilla, dried grapes, a little rye spice. Aftertaste: Cinnamon / spicy red candy, leaning slightly to allspice; a nice warmth at the end with a whisper of burnt wood. Impression: I've been eager to sample this for a bit (heard wonderful feedback on their Double Oaked version). I understand it's young and doesn't list an age (stated to be around 4 years), but this is a bit hard to validate given its cost.