Daniel Davis
A Revival of a Century Old Tradition
All whiskey aficionados know that the best spirits are typically crafted with time-honored techniques, meticulous attention to detail and a pinch of stubborn resistance to trends. That’s exactly how Peerless, a family-owned distillery, decided to approach their comeback to the bourbon world after a hiatus of over a century. The journey hasn’t been an easy one, but it exemplifies the saying, “The path of most resistance often leads to the finest outcome”.
Starting from Scratch in a World Obsessed with Speed
One thing that sets Peerless apart is their commitment to old-school methods in an age where speed often trumps traditional authenticity. Instead of speeding up their production process with modern technology or outsourcing parts of it to save time, Peerless decided to return to their roots and do everything by hand, on-site, replicating processes from when their story first started in the late 1800s. The result was their first bourbon in over 100 years, all thanks to a revival of century-old techniques.
Sweet Mash Instead of Sour
Unusually, Peerless is one of a few distilleries to use a sweet mash process instead of the more common sour mash. The sweet mash process is more challenging and time-consuming, but it’s a risk that Peerless was willing to take to ensure a richer flavor. It involves starting each fermentation with fresh yeast and grains rather than using a part of the last batch, which could contaminate the batch’s flavor. This method results in a cleaner, fresher tasting bourbon, giving it a rare and unique appeal to connoisseurs.
Lowering the Barrel Entry Proof
Another way Peerless strayed from the norm lies in the barrel entry proof, which is usually as high as legally allowed to get the most out of each barrel. However, Peerless went against the grain again by reducing the entry proof. While this method could mean fewer bottles out of each barrel and higher costs, it also leads to a smoother, more pleasurable drinking experience – precisely what Peerless aimed to provide.
Non-Chill Filtered for an Uncompromised Taste
Peerless stuck to the path of most resistance by opting for non-chill filtering. Many distilleries use chill filtering to remove fatty acids and proteins, which can cause cloudiness in the spirit. Peerless, however, believes that these organic compounds are crucial to the whiskey’s flavor and mouthfeel. Though it may lead to some sediment or cloudiness when the bourbon is chilled, it’s a small price to pay for an extraordinary taste.
Reintroducing Peerless to the World, the Hard Way
It might seem like Peerless took the hard way in every decision they made on their bourbon journey. They chose the path that required more time, more patience, and definitely more resources. But they were resolute with one objective in mind – to craft an unparalleled drinking experience that pays homage to their ancestry and the time-honored techniques of the distilling world.
Shaping a Legacy, One Drum at a Time
Patience is a virtue, and when it comes to making whiskey, Peerless has shown that it can make the difference between an okay spirit and an extraordinary bourbon. It took four years from reviving a century-old distillery until they released their first bourbon. But the wait was worth it. The Peerless Straight Rye Whiskey and Kentucky Straight Bourbon have won many accolades, proving that they made the right decision in taking the path of most resistance.
A Toast to the Future
Peerless presents us with a lesson that adhering to the principles of authenticity, uncompromising quality, and stubborn tenacity pays off. It’s a strong testament to consumers’ value and appreciation for true craftsmanship and authenticity in an age of mass production. As we ‘cheers’ to Peerless’s success and sip on their exquisite bourbon, we do so with anticipation and excitement for what’s next in their journey.
