In a thrilling turn for the whiskey world, the International Wine and Spirits’ inaugural Global Judging event held in Kentucky this past September showcased an impressive selection of North American whiskey. With nearly 500 bottles sampled by an esteemed panel of judges, the event yielded a remarkable recognition of quality, issuing over 430 awards. Among these were 30 gold medals and four extraordinary golds, signaling an impressive validation of craftsmanship among distilleries.
Dawn Davies, a Master of Wine and a participant in the judging, expressed her amazement at the innovative methods employed by the distillers. “What they are doing here in terms of liquid quality is just insane,” she declared, highlighting the creativity and passion that characterize this burgeoning industry. The judges were particularly intrigued by the unique cask finishes and novel grain varieties they encountered, affirming that the diversity in whiskey production continues to mesmerize connoisseurs.
While the event recognized a myriad of whiskey styles, including rye and blended varieties, the bourbon category emerged as a focal point of excitement. Particularly noteworthy was the recognition of nine Kentucky straight bourbons that clinched gold medals, with one distinguished bottle, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Toasted Bourbon, standing out as the lone outstanding gold award winner in its category.
Located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, Peerless Distilling hails from a storied past dating back to 1889. Despite encountering the challenges of Prohibition and a subsequent decades-long dormancy, the distillery successfully revived itself in 2015 under the leadership of Corky Taylor and his son, Carson. Their commitment to excellence immediately set them apart as they established a premium, small-batch production model designed to honor their rich heritage while innovating for the modern palate.
Peerless takes pride in a meticulous grain-to-bottle approach that allows them to retain complete control over their production process. Unlike many of their competitors, they avoid sourcing whiskey from external entities, fostering a level of integrity often lacking in broader industry practices. Instead of the common sour mash method, Peerless adopts a sweet mash process, which not only enhances flavor nuances but also ensures freshness in each batch. This careful method is a testament to their commitment to quality, albeit demanding more labor and time.
Another remarkable practice that separates Peerless from other distilleries is their decision to forego chill filtration. This process typically removes particulates for a clearer spirit but can detract from the mouthfeel and rich flavor profiles, which Peerless aims to preserve. By filling barrels at a slightly lower proof—around 107—Peerless maintains a smoother spirit with less dilution. This nuanced method allows for better integration between the whiskey and the oak barrels, resulting in a balanced final product.
An Innovative Aging Process
Peerless takes great care in their aging process. The distillery utilizes a climate-controlled warehouse that mitigates the effects of temperature extremes often found in traditional rickhouses, allowing for a more uniform aging experience. This controlled environment is pivotal; it encourages a slow maturation process where the whiskey can interact optimally with the barrel’s wood, amplifying its flavors.
Notably, Peerless has redefined the concept of whiskey releases by emphasizing flavor over age. This means that while some bottles might be younger than those from rival distilleries, they are released only when they hit Peerless’s stringent flavor benchmarks. Their offerings include both small-batch and single-barrel releases, providing consumers with options that range from the consistent excellence of small batches to the distinct character of single barrels.
A Flavored Triumph
The Peerless Toasted Bourbon is particularly exceptional, crafted through an elaborate dual-barrel aging process. Initially aged in a standard char 3 barrel, the bourbon acquires foundational notes of caramel, brown sugar, and toffee. Subsequently, Master Distiller Craig Kilburn and Head Taster John Wadell determine the ideal conditions to transition it to a toasted barrel, which adds depth and complexity without overpowering the initial flavors.
The result is a bourbon that has garnered an impressive score of 98 out of 100 points. Tasting notes reveal an enticing aromatic bouquet of rich oak, complemented by vibrant orchard fruits and warm cinnamon. The palate delights with layers of caramel, subtle nuttiness, and a dash of pepper, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy texture.
With the accolades and recognition from the Global Judging event, it is evident that Peerless Toasted Bourbon is a significant contender in the world of spirit excellence, showcasing what happens when tradition meets innovation. As whiskey enthusiasts continue to seek remarkable bottles, Peerless’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication to quality and craftsmanship.