This month, you’re going to see a lot of rum-finished bourbons, and for good reason. Many distilleries have been experimenting with rum cask finishes lately, and I’ve managed to acquire quite a few of them. Working at a cigar bar, I’ve found that the rum finish pairs exceptionally well with cigars, making these bourbons a perfect fit for my collection. One of the standout examples is Kentucky Peerless Rum Finish—a bourbon that brings a unique twist to the classic Kentucky whiskey profile.
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company has a rich history that dates back to the 1880s when the first Peerless whiskey was produced under the leadership of Henry Kraver. After a long hiatus during Prohibition and the ensuing years, the Peerless name was revived in 2015 by Kraver’s great-grandson, Corky Taylor, and his son Carson. They reopened the distillery in downtown Louisville, bringing back the family legacy with a focus on quality, small-batch production, and innovative aging techniques. What makes Peerless special is their commitment to crafting whiskey in the traditional, time-honored way—grain-to-glass production without shortcuts, including using sweet mash fermentation and never chill-filtering their spirits.
Kentucky Peerless Rum Finish is a prime example of this commitment to quality and innovation. This bourbon is finished in rum casks, adding layers of complexity to the already robust flavor profile. The rum finish imparts a rich sweetness, with notes of molasses, tropical fruit, and a hint of spice, making it a perfect complement to a fine cigar. This is a bourbon that invites you to slow down, savor the intricate flavors, and enjoy the interplay between the rum cask influence and the bold, traditional bourbon character.
The Kentucky Peerless Rum Barrel Finished Bourbon delivers a well-balanced experience, where the rum influence is subtle but effective. On the nose, you get hints of dark brown sugar, molasses, and cocoa powder, with a touch of toasted coconut. The palate follows with rich notes of vanilla, syrup-soaked raisins, and a bit of light summer fruit. There’s also a warm, gooey molasses character that coats the mouth, complemented by just enough oak and toffee to keep things interesting. The finish is long, with a gentle sweetness that leans into cinnamon spice and charred oak. While the rum finish adds a layer of complexity, it doesn’t overpower the bourbon, making it a surprisingly nuanced pour.
Overall, the Kentucky Peerless Rum Barrel Finished Bourbon is a well-crafted summer or early fall sipper, with its nuanced blend of bourbon and subtle rum influence. It’s a great match for those warmer evenings and pairs particularly well with a cigar. I’ve been favoring sun-grown wrappers lately, and this bourbon’s rich, sweet notes complement the natural earthiness of those cigars perfectly. If you’re looking for a bourbon that offers a little something extra without being overpowering, this one is worth trying.
Details: Kentucky Peerless Rum Barrel Finished Bourbon, Batch 2
Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
Release Date: June 2024
Proof: 109.21
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Age: No Age Statement
Availability:
MSRP: $149 / 750mL (2024)
