The Last Call

Peerless Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.      Peerless Distilling is a name most bourbon drinkers recognize instantly, largely thanks to that unmistakable bottle design. It’s bold, beefy, and looks fantastic on a shelf. I’ll admit right away, I’ve had a bit of a complicated relationship with Peerless releases over the years. Some of their offerings, like the Double Oak Bourbon and Double Oak Rye, have been standouts for me, while others have left me scratching my head. Until now, I’d never actually sat down and reviewed their standard Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and curiosity finally won out despite my ongoing hesitation with their pricing.       While there’s no age statement on the bottle, Peerless does confirm on their website that they adhere to a four-year minimum. I always wish that transparency made it onto the label, but it is what it is. What truly sets Peerless apart from many other Kentucky distilleries is their use of a sweet mash ...

Hard Truth Bottled in Bond Odd Bourbon Whiskey Review.      Hard Truth Distilling continues to be one of Indiana’s most interesting craft producers, and this American Odd Sweet Mash Bottled in Bond Bourbon represents the final release in their four-bottle collaboration with the John Mellencamp Whiskey Company. This release leans heavily into Hard Truth’s commitment to sweet mash production and locally sourced Indiana grains. It’s a bottle I originally approached with hesitation on paper, but after finding it at the right price, curiosity won out.      What immediately stands out is the philosophy behind the bottle. From grain to glass, Hard Truth handles nearly every step in-house, and the collaboration’s tie-in with Farm Aid adds a meaningful layer to the release. Supporting local farmers and emphasizing regional grain usage gives this bourbon a sense of purpose beyond just what’s in the glass. This is a sweet mash straight bourbon made with 100% Indiana-g...