Olivia Taylor
The Origins of Peerless Distillery
Peerless Distillery is a proud family-owned business that was originally established in the early 1880s. Located in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, the distillery became well-known for its impressive bourbon and rye whiskeys, which were sold both locally and nationally. However, due to a combination of factors including Prohibition and changing economic conditions, Peerless Distillery was forced to shut down in the mid-20th century.
Fast forward to the 21st century, however, and Peerless Distillery was re-established by Corky Taylor, the great-grandson of the original founder. With the aim of honoring his family’s legacy and keeping the Peerless brand alive, Corky wanted to bring back the distillery in a big way, with a focus on high-quality, handcrafted spirits and a commitment to innovation.
The Path of Most Resistance
When Peerless decided to release their first bourbon in over a century, they knew they had to do something special. They wanted to create a bourbon that was unlike anything else currently on the market, and that would truly stand out. So, they decided to take what many people saw as the “path of most resistance” – they used a unique, four-grain mash bill.
Traditionally, bourbon is made from a mash bill that contains three grains: corn, rye, and barley. However, Peerless decided to add a fourth grain – wheat – to their bourbon mash bill. This was a risky move, as wheat is a delicate grain that can easily be overpowered by other ingredients. However, Peerless was committed to creating a bourbon that was both complex and balanced, and they felt that the addition of wheat was key to achieving this.
The Benefits of a Four-Grain Mash Bill
While using a four-grain mash bill may have been the path of most resistance, it ultimately paid off for Peerless. By adding wheat to the traditional bourbon recipe, they were able to create a flavor profile that was both unique and delicious. The wheat added a subtle sweetness to the whiskey, which balanced out the spiciness of the rye and the richness of the corn.
In addition to its unique flavor profile, Peerless’ four-grain bourbon has also received critical acclaim. It was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which is one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world. This recognition is a testament to the quality of Peerless’ bourbon, and to the fact that taking the path of most resistance can sometimes lead to the greatest rewards.
Conclusion
While taking the path of most resistance may seem like a daunting prospect, Peerless Distillery’s success story shows that it can be well worth the risk. By using a unique four-grain mash bill for their Bourbon, they were able to create a product that truly stands out from the crowd. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and honoring their family’s legacy has paid off in a big way, and we can’t wait to see what Peerless Distillery does next.
