Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. tells BourbonBlog.com that they are releasing a new and limited Kentucky Peerless Cognac Barrel Finished Bourbon Whiskey.
The new expression is coming to the Peerless Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky on September 7, 2024. Due to the nature of the barrels, the latest expression will be extremely limited and released in Kentucky only.
About the Barrel Finish Process
Cognac Barrel Finished Bourbon consists of Peerless Small Batch Bourbon that undergoes an additional aging process in barrels that previously held a premium Cognac from France. Peerless says the finishing process imparts unique flavors to the bourbon, blending the rich, sweet, and spicy characteristics of bourbon with the fruity, floral, and nutty notes from the cognac-soaked barrels.
The Peerless team says they strategically select bourbon barrels that will create the perfect blend, highlighting the traits received from the Cognac barrel.
“We have taken our barrel finishing program to the next level with a Cognac barrel finished bourbon. This expression has been in the works, and the barrels, for many years and has truly exceeded our expectations. I am
extremely proud of our team for balancing our bourbon with the Cognac barrel properties in the way that they have. It was perfectly executed,” Fifth Generation and President, Carson Taylor tells BourbonBlog.com.
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Kentucky Peerless Cognac Barrel Finished Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes
“The additional aging in Cognac barrels leads to a smooth, silky mouthfeel that offers a rich and rounded finish,” John Wadell, Head Taster tells us.
Peerless says that the bourbon’s flavor profile with an added layer of complexity, introduces flavors of dried fruit, raisins, figs, citrus, honey, and subtle oakiness. The bourbon’s inherent vanilla, caramel, and spice are
complemented by the delicate sweetness and floral notes of the cognac barrel. They say the bourbon takes on a beautifully dark hue, with a golden amber tint.
Kentucky Peerless continues with the following tasting notes:
Nose: Fresh raisins, sweet herbs, and spices, toffee pudding, sweet rich tobacco, caramel apple, plums, fruit market,
toasted honey, vanilla bean, and maple syrup
Palate: Cranberry raisin bread, muscadine grapes, port wine, chocolate, leather, freshly baked apricot, and crisp
lingering pear.
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