Peerless Toasted Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.
Peerless Toasted Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.
Peerless has never been shy about pushing bold, barrel proof whiskey with a style all their own. Their sweet mash process, eye-catching bottles, and dedication to non-chill filtration have earned them a loyal following, myself included. I’ve long been a fan of their Double Oak Bourbon and Rye, and when I heard a toasted version was hitting the shelves, I knew I had to track one down. Originally a distillery-only release, Batch 03 finally made its way to Indiana, and thanks to my buddy Rich over at Holly’s Package Store, one found its way into my hands.
Peerless takes the extra-labor route of sweet mash fermentation, fully emptying and cleaning the fermentation tanks between every batch. It’s a slower, more meticulous approach, but it allows each batch to develop its own unique fingerprint. This release takes their Kentucky Straight Bourbon and finishes it in toasted barrels, a technique that can coax out deeper vanilla, caramel, and spice tones.
Age Statement: N/A.
ABV: 55.25% (Cask Strength).
Mash bill: N/A
Area of Distillation: Louisville, Kentucky.
Finishing: Toasted barrel.
Appearance: Dark Mahogany.
On the nose:
Appearance: Dark Mahogany.
On the nose:
The toasted barrel influence makes itself known right away, leading with sweet vanilla and caramelized char that call to mind a fresh crème brûlée. Corn sweetness comes through next—dusty and buttery, like fresh-cut kernels in late summer. Honeycomb lingers in the background, joined by subtle herbal spice and a warm undercurrent from the high proof.
Taste:
The first sip opens with a touch of bitterness, but once the palate adjusts, the layers start to unfold. Dusty corn remains at the core, accented by roasted cashews and a dry leather note. Honeycomb adds a softer sweetness, while cracked multicolored peppercorns bring an unexpected complexity.
Finish:
Medium in length, with warming spice and a distinctly dry, tannic oak presence. There’s a rye-driven bite that keeps the sweetness in check, making this feel like a more austere cousin to Peerless’s Double Oak. The toasted barrel leaves its fingerprint in the dryness, giving the finish a husky edge.
Final Thoughts:
Peerless Toasted Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a solid pour that brings the toasted profile to life while maintaining its barrel-proof integrity. It’s a pricey bottle that may not deliver the sweetness or balance some whiskey fans expect from toasted offerings. While it doesn’t reach the heights of Peerless’s Double Oak, it’s still a solid, intriguing bourbon with a unique character. If you’re a Peerless fan or love exploring toasted bourbons, this is worth a try. However, at its price point, it may not stand out against other toasted offerings. Consider sampling it before committing to a full bottle.
Rating: C (Average).
Cost: $99.99 for 750ml.
Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt
Comments
Post a Comment