Peerless Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Fairly normal nose for a bourbon. Wood with tad of sweetness. Front hits with a lot of citrus and cherry. Back end has some heat but not overwhelming. Smooth given the proof.

Peerless is an interesting brand. All indications are they're doing everything "the right way". And for that I was willing to pay 65 dollars for what I believe to be a 4 year old bourbon (I have heard some people claim 3). Color is golden amber. For the age it is darker than most thanks to the higher abv. Legs are decent. On the nose I get clay putty. This reminds me of the worst bourbon I've never had in Garrison Brothers, but lets not go there yet. A splash (that's more than a drop) of water brings back out the more typical bourbon notes. Vanilla, oak (though there's some kind of putty note still on that oak), and maybe a touch of fruits way back in there. The flavor has a muted sweetness with I am sticking with a clay/putty note but perhaps it is almost giving off some savory flavors without the salty notes you might get in a savory scotch. Water really doesn't seem to change much here either. The finish is fine. A bit of spicy burn and it lingers. I get a bit more vanilla on the finish. Look this is ultra-young bourbon, it's clearly been made in a more expensive fashion and I'm wishing these guys luck. It's not offensive. That said I'm not sure I'd think bourbon if you gave me this. It's also not that enjoyable. I will say this is my second pour and my first one was more favorable. That might be a factor here, but honestly, I'd avoid this one at over 30 a bottle.

Barrel-proof, 4 year bourbon from Peerless. Really robust, full flavored experience. Coats the mouth and has a good chew. Strong start for the brand for certain.