Peerless Straight Rye Whiskey is the first offering from Peerless Distilling Co. in 100 years. Founded in 1889, Peerless was shuttered in 1917 to conserve corn during World War I, and was recently revived by founder Henry Kraver’s descendants.
Peerless Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is crafted using American-made equipment. Malted barley, rye and corn from locales in the Midwest, including the Ohio River Valley, are milled, cooked, fermented and double-distilled before entering the barrel at 107 proof at the family’s distillery in downtown Louisville. The result is a rye with notes of caramel, vanilla, floral fruit, oak and pepper, the company reports.
To bring Peerless Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey to customers across the country, Kraver’s grandson Corky Taylor has entered a sales partnership with Fetzer Vineyards. Peerless Distilling Co., however, will remain independent and wholly owned by Taylor.
Peerless Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey has a suggested retail price of $125 per 750-ml. bottle. It’s available this fall in select U.S. markets, with further expansion into additional markets planned for 2018.