Peerless High Rye Bourbon bottled at 110.5 proof — a $135.99 expression that merits close attention.
Nose
This baby is DARK, the color of burnt caramel with a medium viscosity. The first pass is intensely aromatic with gorgeous floral character, including a surprising honeysuckle note wrapped around some dark plum. Short time in the glass reveals candied orange peel, leather, subtle tobacco, and chocolate. About an hour in the glass gave way to an underlying tapestry of wet clay, sweet corn, and caramel.
Finish
Lots of wood here up front along with some soft oak tannin, layered with hints of cocoa, butterscotch and slightly smokey leather. Heavy, silky mouthfeel and medium-long finish that is all back-loaded with cinnamon and other baking spices, girded with a deep dark chocolate note. This is simply phenomenal bourbon. It seems like every decision the Peerless team made, from going strictly with a sweet mash, to non-chill filtering, to the char on the barrel, all worked in a glorious symmetry together, resulting in a gorgeously robust but finely integrated product. This is rich, luscious, almost overwhelmingly intense American bourbon. rnrnIf there is a complaint to be had I suppose those specifically looking for more of the rye experience could gripe that even with twice the amount of rye as their standard bourbon mash, the rye characteristics still take a pretty reserved back seat until the finish. To my tastes however, with all the elements working so harmoniously, such a complaint would feel like forced nitpicking.
Verdict
Peerless High Rye Bourbon is an exceptional expression that stands among the finest in its category. It rewards patience and attention in equal measure, and we recommend it without reservation — though at $135.99, one expects nothing less.
