Kentucky Peerless Distilling was founded in Louisville in 1889, closed during Prohibition, and lay dormant for nearly a century before Corky Taylor and his son Carson revived it in 2015. The new Peerless uses a sweet mash process — fresh yeast for each fermentation rather than carrying over spent mash — and bottles everything at barrel proof without chill filtration. The commitment to these standards from day one reflects a conviction unusual among new distilleries.
The sweet mash process is the key differentiator. Where sour mash produces a more consistent, slightly acidic fermentation, sweet mash creates a brighter, fruitier character. At barrel proof, this vibrancy is amplified, producing a bourbon that tastes cleaner and more fruit-forward than most Kentucky bourbons.
Kentucky Peerless has quickly established itself as one of Louisville's most respected craft distilleries. The sweet mash process, barrel-proof presentation, and no-shortcuts philosophy produce a bourbon of genuine quality and character. At its price, it competes with established Kentucky names and holds its own. The revival of a pre-Prohibition name backed by genuine modern excellence.
