Olivia Taylor
The Rise of Peerless Distillery
Peerless Distillery is a landmark of the Bourbon industry. With over a century of experience and legacy, the Peerless brand has become synonymous with greatness in the whiskey world. However, the road to success has not always been easy for Peerless. In this article, we will explore the story of how they took the path of most resistance to create their first Bourbon in a century.
Peerless’ Rebirth
In the early 2000s, Corky Taylor, the fifth generation of his family to carry on the Peerless legacy, decided to revive his family’s distillery. With a passion for whiskey and deep roots in the industry, Corky saw the potential for a new era of greatness in Peerless Distillery.
In 2015, the refurbished Peerless Distillery opened its doors in Louisville, Kentucky. With state-of-the-art equipment, an experienced team, and a commitment to traditional distilling methods, Corky and his team set out to create a Bourbon that would rival the best in the world.
The Path of Most Resistance
Most new distilleries take a shortcut: they buy Bourbon from a more established distillery and label it under their own brand. However, Peerless took a different path. Corky wanted to make his Bourbon from scratch, using only the finest quality ingredients and traditional distilling methods.
Their first obstacle was sourcing the best grains for their mash bill. Instead of taking shortcuts and using mass-produced grains, they opted for locally grown, non-GMO corn and wheat. Although more expensive, they believed that the quality and integrity of their ingredients were worth the investment.
Next, they invested in a custom-designed copper pot still, specially made to their specifications by the famous Vendome Copper and Brass Works. The still is one of the largest in Kentucky and allows for a slower, more precise distillation process that results in a more complex flavor profile.
The Importance of Patience and Timing
Distilling Bourbon takes time, and Peerless was committed to taking the time needed to produce the best possible product. They aged their first Bourbon for four years, an unusual length of time for a new distillery. However, the longer aging process allowed the flavors to develop and mature, resulting in a smoother, richer Bourbon.
Patience was also an essential ingredient in their bottling process. Instead of using a mechanical bottling line, they hand-bottled each bottle, taking care to ensure that every pour was perfect.
The Success of Peerless’ First Bourbon
When Peerless released its first Bourbon in 2019, it was an instant success. Whiskey lovers from around the world praised the quality and uniqueness of the product. The Bourbon scored a remarkable 90 points in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and was named Best Rye Whiskey at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Peerless’ success shows that the path of most resistance can lead to greatness. By taking the time to invest in high-quality ingredients, traditional methods, and custom equipment, they were able to create a Bourbon that is distinctive, complex, and delicious.
The Future of Peerless Distillery
Looking towards the future, Peerless plans to continue exploring innovative ways to push the boundaries of Bourbon making. They have several exciting projects in the works, including collaborations with other distilleries and experimenting with new barrel finishes.
Peerless’ Bourbon shows that a commitment to quality and traditional methods can pay off. By taking the path of most resistance, they were able to create a Bourbon that stands out from the crowd and is poised to become a classic in its own right.
