Peerless Distillery is set to release its newest expression, the Cognac Barrel-Finished Bourbon, on September 7, 2024. This release is notable for its exclusivity and limited availability, as it will only be sold in Kentucky with a two-bottle purchase limit per person while supplies last. The release showcases Peerless' commitment to crafting unique and premium bourbons, and this latest addition to their lineup promises to deliver a distinct and refined tasting experience.
Image credit: Peerless Distillery
The Cognac Barrel-Finished Bourbon is a result of Peerless' innovative barrel-finishing program. The process begins with Peerless Small Batch Bourbon, which then undergoes an additional aging process in barrels that previously held premium cognac. This finishing process imparts unique flavors to the bourbon, blending the rich, sweet, and spicy characteristics of the bourbon with the fruity, floral, and slightly nutty notes from the cognac-soaked barrels. The Peerless team carefully selects bourbon barrels that will best complement the traits from the cognac barrels, resulting in a balanced and complex flavor profile.
Image credit: Peerless Distillery (John Wadell, Head Taster)
Carson Taylor, the fifth-generation president of Peerless Distillery, expressed pride in the team's achievement, stating, “We have taken our barrel-finishing program to the next level with a cognac barrel-finished bourbon. This expression has been in the works, and the barrels, for many years and has truly exceeded our expectations. I am extremely proud of our team for balancing our Bourbon with the cognac barrel properties in the way that they have. It was perfectly executed.”
The tasting notes for the Cognac Barrel-Finished Bourbon reveal a rich and layered profile that bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate. On the nose, it offers aromas of fresh raisins, sweet herbs, and spices, along with toffee pudding, sweet rich tobacco, caramel apple, plums, toasted honey, vanilla bean, and maple syrup. This complex bouquet of scents sets the stage for a tasting experience that is equally intricate.
Upon tasting, the bourbon reveals flavors of cranberry raisin bread, muscadine grapes, port wine, chocolate, leather, freshly baked apricot, and a crisp lingering pear. The influence of the cognac barrels introduces dried fruit, raisins, figs, citrus, honey, and a subtle oakiness, enhancing the bourbon’s inherent vanilla, caramel, and spice notes. The additional aging in cognac barrels results in a smooth, silky mouthfeel and a rich, rounded finish, described by Head Taster John Wadell as, “The additional aging in cognac barrels leads to a smooth, silky mouthfeel that offers a rich and rounded finish.”
Image credit: Peerless Distillery
Visually, the Cognac Barrel-Finished Bourbon takes on a beautifully dark hue with a golden amber tint, reflecting its time spent in the cognac-soaked barrels. This visual appeal complements the sophisticated flavor profile, making it a standout addition to the Peerless portfolio.
The Peerless Barrel-Finish Program is a testament to the distillery's dedication to crafting high-quality bourbons through innovative methods. By exposing their bourbon to two separate casks, Peerless allows for two full barrel extractions, enriching the flavor and complexity of the final product. The team meticulously selects barrels that enhance the bourbon’s character without overwhelming it, ensuring that each batch upholds the Peerless name.
Every drop of Peerless Whiskey is honestly crafted, never sourced, and never chill-filtered. The distillery adheres to a strictly sweet mash process and produces its bourbon at barrel proof, with no water added, highlighting its commitment to maintaining the purity and authenticity of their whiskey. As a result, the Cognac Barrel-Finished Bourbon not only represents the latest innovation from Peerless but also reinforces the distillery's legacy of quality and craftsmanship.
For those in Kentucky, the opportunity to experience this limited release is one not to be missed. The Cognac Barrel-Finished Bourbon is a celebration of traditional bourbon-making enhanced by a creative twist, making it a unique offering in the world of premium spirits. As the release date approaches, anticipation is high, and the limited nature of this expression ensures that it will be a sought-after addition to any bourbon collection.
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About the Brand Peerless
The Peerless brand has a rich history dating back to the 1880s when it was first established by E.W. Worsham & Co. in Henderson, Kentucky. Despite facing challenges during Prohibition, the brand was revived in 2014 by Corky and Carson Taylor, who refurbished a historic building in downtown Louisville and obtained the original Kentucky Distilled Spirits Plant Number (DSP-KY-50). Since then, Peerless has garnered attention for its commitment to traditional distilling methods and innovative approaches, including the use of a sweet mash process and low barrel entry proof. With each release, Peerless continues to honor its legacy while pushing the boundaries of bourbon craftsmanship, earning a dedicated following among enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
