A Historic 10-Year Milestone! Peerless Henry Kraver Bourbon

Is this the 2026 Whiskey of the Year? Today, we are incredibly honored to review a genuinely historic bottle of whiskey: Kentucky Peerless Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Batch 1).

Marking a monumental 10-year milestone since the distillery’s 2013 revival, this ultra-small batch blend consists of just 40 barrels (39 ten-year barrels and 1 eleven-year barrel). Crafted completely in-house from grain-to-bottle as a strictly sweet mash, barrel proof, and non-chill filtered bourbon, this 117.6-proof powerhouse is named in honor of founder Corky Taylor’s great-grandfather, Henry Kraver, who started Peerless back in 1889.

We dive deep into this dark, rich “adult bourbon,” pulling out luscious notes of toasty barrel, leather, brown sugar, caramel, baking spices, and an unexpected, complex finish of flavorful pipe tobacco and dark cocoa mocha. Is the hype real, or have other whiskey reviewers actually undersold this bottle? Find out if this rare Kentucky Peerless release belongs on your shelf (even at secondary market prices!).

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Always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

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Peerless Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Batch 1)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Strictly Sweet Mash, Barrel Proof, Non-Chill Filtered)
  • Company / Distillery: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (Louisville, KY – DSP-KY-50)
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Honestly crafted completely in-house, grain-to-bottle)
  • Age: 10 Years Old (A historic milestone marking 10 years of distillation since their 2013 revival)
  • Proof: 117.6 Proof (58.8% ABV)
  • MSRP: $195 (Distillery exclusive, 1-bottle limit per person)
  • Purchased: Through the generosity of our patrons (Scott & Traci) at MSRP …. And signed by Corky Taylor
  • Other: Named in honor of Corky Taylor’s great-grandfather, Henry Kraver, who originally started Peerless back in 1889. This Batch 1 is a ultra-small blend of just 40 barrels (39 ten-year barrels and 1 eleven-year barrel).

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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Why This Wheated Bourbon is a Total “Change Up” 

Unlock the Castle! 🏰 Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon Review

We’re heading back to Frankfort, Kentucky! After a visit to the historic Castle & Key Distillery during the Glen’s Creek Chili Fest, we finally got our hands on a bottle of their Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon (Batch 1).

Is this 7-year-old “sweet mash” wheater the bottle that changes everything for Castle & Key fans? In this episode, Wayne and Rebecca dive into the unique mash bill—featuring white corn and a surprisingly high 17% malted barley—to see if this Double Platinum ASCOT Award winner lives up to the hype.

From the “bakery-like” nose to a palate that Wayne describes as a “barley punch” and Rebecca finds “soft and luscious,” we break down the mouthfeel, the “squeaky teeth” finish, and why this craft distillery is finally hitting its stride.

Whether you’re a fan of wheated bourbons or have been waiting for Castle & Key’s own distillate to age, you won’t want to miss this Tuesday tasting!

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Castle & Key Cask Strength Wheated, Batch 1

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Castle & Key (Frankfort, KY)
  • Mash Bill: 73% White Corn, 10% White Winter Wheat, 17% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years
  • Proof: 108.2
  • MSRP: $60-65
  • Released: Blended in 2025
  • Other: Non-chill filtered; earned Double Platinum at the 2025 ASCOT Awards. It uses a “Sweet Mash” process and a notably high percentage of malted barley for a wheated bourbon.
  • Purchased: 02/28/2026 for $70 at Castle & Key Distillery

YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #CastleAndKey #WheatedBourbon #CaskStrength #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyTasting #CraftDistillery #SweetMash #BourbonLife #DrinkResponsibly #WhiskeyCommunity #FrankfortKY #BourbonCollection