Daniel Davis
An Era Gone By Revisited
Peerless Distilling Company is respected far and wide as a significant player in the industry. The company has a storied history that stretches back to the mid-1880s, when the brand was founded by Henry Kraver. Even amidst industry giants, Peerless’ commitment to its quality has always garnered it a unique appreciation from loyal bourbon enthusiasts. But there came a time when production ceased and the Peerless name retracted for a while, marking the end of an era.
Fast forward to the 21st century, a different world with modern rules and attitudes. Even as the passage of time altered many things, the Peerless name remained unchanged in its essence. This essence of unwavering perseverance and dedication to reincarnate their cherished bourbon took an unusual approach. Instead of succumbing to the easy allure of sourcing already-aged bourbon, Peerless chose the path of most resistance. They determined to distill their own, bringing forth the first Peerless Bourbon in over a century. A significant event, worth examining in detail.
The Rebirth of a Dream
2015 was the year that marked the rebirth of Peerless. Spearheaded by entrepreneur Corky Taylor and his son Carson Taylor, the Peerless name was revived and the distillery restored, breathing new life into Henry Kraver’s dream. They embraced the same audacious spirit and approached the daunting task of producing a truly peerless bourbon with fervor and resolve.
Corky and Carson channeled their energies into passionately reviving the brand with the intention of resurrecting the same authentic bourbon that made Peerless a historic name. In doing so, they set a gold standard for family-owned distilleries. The father-son duo embarked on a journey of rebuilding not just the brand but an entire legacy.
The Path of Most Resistance
Creating a bourbon worthy of the Peerless name was not going to be an easy feat, especially when the marketplace was witnessing a flood of sourced bourbons. But the Taylors were not swayed. From the beginning, they committed to stirring clear of the ‘buy and bottle’ model. Their belief was rooted in the understanding that truly peerless bourbon necessitates a blanket refusal to compromise on quality.
However, being committed to an ‘all-or-nothing’ approach was not without its drawbacks. The major challenge was time. They had to be patient, waiting for years as their distillate aged naturally in charred oak barrels. To ease the long wait, they first released a 2-year-old rye, but the crown jewel was, of course, the bourbon; slow-aged and intended to effortlessly carry forward the Peerless legacy.
Refusal to compromise
The road less traveled indeed came with its unique hurdles, but it also allowed Peerless to distinguish itself in the sprawling bourbon landscape. Instead of taking shortcuts or the easy way out, they remained true to their promise of authenticity and quality. The unflinching refusal to compromise became the brand’s trademark.
The Triumph
Finally, after four agonizing years of patience and dedication, Peerless saw the fruits of their labor. The first batch of Peerless Bourbon was released in 2019. It was more than a successful bourbon release; it was the triumphant resurgence of a cherished brand that had once faded away. An embodiment of quality and craftmanship, Peerless Bourbon became a testimony to the merit of taking the long, hard way.
It’s a mark of true character to do what’s difficult over what’s convenient. The Taylors showed this through their patient pursuit, their refusal to compromise, and their unwavering faith in the Peerless name. It is this spirit that saw the first Peerless Bourbon in a century and the continuation of a legacy. Ultimately, the journey of Peerless stands as a testament to the fact that while the easiest route may bring quick success, it is the path of most resistance that creates enduring brilliance.
