Ep. 128: Kentucky Peerless with Ellie Reed and John Wadell

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February 14, 2024 • 64 mins

Peerless in the 1800s and Peerless today.

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., founded by Henry Kraver in the late 19th century, is in a class by itself. The lone sweet mash distiller in Louisville with the most distinctive bottle in the state, Peerless built itself back up through rye and its story.

Several years later, they're thriving. Single barrels abound of both rye and bourbon, with all the maturity you want from the oak without much of the tannin. Their bottlings are all at barrel proof, though from an entry proof of 103 (for now!) they rarely crest over 110º. Much like other low-entry-proof producers (Michter's, anyone?), these whiskies taste fantastic to a proof hound like I am even at a "lower" proof.

Why? Simple: add water at the beginning and not at the end and the water doesn't dilute the precious flavors you've built. Ellie, an engineer-turned-distiller, and John, Kentucky Peerless' national brand ambassador and single barrel specialist, join me to talk about the growth of Peerless in the heart of Louisville and the future of this already historic brand.

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ellie and John for entering the Whiskey Ring!

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Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.

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