Aged in Two Separate Oak Barrels

Peerless® Toasted Rye is aged in two separate oak barrels. It is initially aged in our standard, char level 3 barrel. This process develops the desired flavor profiles of caramel, brown sugar, and toffee. The already barrel-aged whiskey is then placed in a toasted barrel to finish. The toasted barrel adds more complexity with honey, vanilla, toasted spices, and chocolate. The unique toasted aging process allows for an elevated, yet balanced nose and palate.

“We hand-select each barrel for the finishing process. We chose to use a medium toast because it contains less tannins, which results in a more aromatic whiskey with warm, sweet, savory character and strong vanilla overtones,” explains Peerless Head Taster John Wadell.

About the Barrels

The Kelvin Cooperage Difference

Kelvin Cooperage strives to obtain the best oak and utilizes the most current machinery while remaining true to time-tested traditional cooperage techniques. Their dedication to maintaining the highest level of quality and service is evident in the care taken at every step of the coopering process.

They’ve opted to use a traditional, non-mechanized process, crafting and charring barrels by hand. Each barrel is treated uniquely. To take it a step further, Kelvin Cooperage has made it a standard practice to perform an extended toast on each barrel to enhance flavor. No fuel is added when charring, leaving the most genuine oak profiles for aging whiskey.

Barrel #1

Small Batch Rye Whiskey is aged in our standard char level 3 barrel. It takes about 30–35 seconds to achieve the perfect flavor profile with a char level 3. Hemicellulose starts breaking down into wood sugars, and the wood caramelizes inside the barrel. This process develops our desired flavor profiles—caramel, brown sugar, and toffee.

Barrel #2

The already barrel-aged whiskey is then placed into a toasted barrel to finish. This toasted barrel adds more complexity with honey, vanilla, toasted spices, and chocolate.

Every drop of Peerless® Whiskey is honestly crafted, never sourced. Never chill-filtered. Strictly sweet mash. Barrel proof. No water added. Made in the USA.