Daniel Davis
The Return to Their Boozy Roots: Peerless Distilling Co.
The story of Peerless Distilling Co. is one that resonates with resilience from its very core. Born out of the rich heritage established by entrepreneur Henry Kraver in the mid-19th century, Peerless was once a thriving whiskey-making hub in the United States. Fast-forward to the prohibition years, and the distillery, like many others around the country, was forced to shut its doors. A century later, the distillery was reborn in the bustling city of Louisville, Kentucky, taking its first steps toward a future anchored in its past.
The First Bourbon Project
Resurrecting a century-old distillery is no small feat, and the decision to revive the Peerless name was made with a heap of trials and tribulations ahead. The goal was clear: create a finely crafted bourbon, worthy of the Peerless name, and in the process, stir up a new appreciation for artisan-distilled spirits. The road to achieving this was filled with tireless experimentation, careful craftsmanship, and yes, a handful of setbacks.
Embracing the Challenge
As tempting as it would have been to take shortcuts along the way, Peerless made a decision to courageously reject the easy way out. Choosing instead to stick to their guns, they embraced distilling methods that required patience, precision, and immense respect for the craft. On top of this, they were adamant about using only the finest ingredients, even when it meant facing sourcing hardships and elevated production costs.
A Resolute Stand against Modern Distilling Tactics
Bringing to bear their stubborn commitment to quality, Peerless bucked the trend of sourcing whiskey from larger distilleries. They insisted on distilling their own spirit, a choice that meant going up against industry giants and gambling their success on the consistency and caliber of their production. Additionally, they reaffirmed their fidelity to the old ways of bourbon-making by committing to a strict non-chill filtered process, a significant move that allowed their bourbons to maintain their natural flavors and textures.
Maturing against the Clock
The greatest hurdle yet was the agonizing wait for their bourbon to mature. As opposed to opting for tactics to speed up the aging process, Peerless decided to let nature take its course. The ensuing waiting period, a full five years, was a strategic gamble, with the anticipation building as each barrel quietly aged in the background.
The Maiden Batch: A Testament to a Century-Old Legacy
After years of toil and dedication, Peerless finally launched its first bourbon in over 100 years. The maiden batch, an ultra-premium, straight rye whiskey, was more than just the fruit of a laborious process; it was a testament to the perseverance and spirit of Peerless Distilling Co. Rooted in tradition, with an air of modernity and a determination to providing quality, this bourbon encapsulated the story of its creators in every drop.
From Rise, Fall, to Unprecedented Success
Bringing back Peerless from the brink of extinction was never going to be an easy task, but in the process, the distillery has set a new standard for craft spirits, proving that the path of most resistance can oftentimes be the most rewarding. With the success of their first bourbon, Peerless has staked its claim in the world of premium spirits, setting the stage for a future of continued resilience, and of course, fine bourbon.
No path to success is easy, but the route Peerless Distilling Co. took was definitely one less traveled. Their commitment to purity, patience, and precision attests to their adoration for their craft. It’s a long and enduring journey to bring a century-old distillery back to life, but as the saying goes, old love never dies – it just ferments.
