The folks at Kentucky Peerless Distilling will tell you that “patience builds character.” In the case of aging Kentucky straight rye whiskey, they are not kidding. The Kentucky Peerless brand started way back in 1889 by Henry Kraver. At its peak in 1917, the distillery was producing 200 barrels of whiskey per day, more than 23,000 barrels a year. Like most distilleries around this time, the war and Prohibition forced the distillery to close.
DSP–KY–50, Gone But Not Forgotten
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company, Henderson, Kentucky.
Stay Informed: Sign up here for the Distillery Trail free email newsletter and be the first to get all the latest news, trends, job listings and events in your inbox.
The Peerless brand became a footnote in distilling history until 4th and 5th generation descendants Corky Taylor and his son Carson Taylor brought the brand back to life nearly 100 years later. In 2014, the father-son duo started construction on a brand new distillery along Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. A year later in March of 2015 the family completed the distillery and had filled the first barrels of bourbon and rye whiskey in nearly a century. All the while during planning and construction project Corky was working to prove his family lineage to try to regain the family’s long dormant DSP–KY–50 (Distilled Spirits Plant.) The numbering system has changed a few times over the years but, to put this in perspective, today’s numbers are in the 20,000+ range. After a year and a half of effort and as Corky says, “lots of lawyers” the family was granted the right to legally use DSP-50 once again.
I think Henry Kraver would be happy for this day. This is a big day in our family and we’re excited.
~Corky Taylor, Chairman and 4th Generation Distiller
The First Peerless Rye Whiskey in 100 Years
Kentucky Peerless Distilling, Head Distiller Caleb Kilburn.
Fast forward two years later and Kentucky Peerless Distilling is about to release their first Kentkucky Straight Rye Whiskey in 100 years. It’s a non-chill filtered, sweet mash rye bottled at barrel strength with no water added. The company says their whiskey is a well balanced Rye, bolstered by sweet tones of maple, brown sugar and light citrus sweetness. It finishes with a hint of oak & no burn on the throat. They say it’s a palatable sipping Rye meant to be savored.
May 20, 2017 Inaugural Release Party
To celebrate the release, Kentucky Peerless Distilling is hosting their inaugural release party at the distillery at 120 N 10th St, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 on May 20, 2017 from 10am – 5pm. The distillery will be open to the public for tours. Bottles of this 107 proof, barrel strength rye whiskey are expected to retail for $125. You’ll have to wait another two years for the families bourbon. As their invitation says, “Come conversate, sip and repeat.”
Peerless Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
The First Kentucky Peerless Distilling Barrel Dump in 100 Years
Please help to support Distillery Trail. Sign up for our Newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
