The News
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. announced the release of its first 10-year-old bourbon, Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve, on April 22, 2026, at their Louisville distillery. The limited edition will be available for one bottle per person, with a second batch scheduled for April 22, 2027. This release honors the founder, Henry Kraver, and marks 10 years of whiskey aging since the brand's revival.
The Takeaway
Heritage Honoring: Kentucky Peerless is celebrating its 10th anniversary of revival by releasing a bourbon aged for a decade, named after their founder Henry Kraver. This marks a significant milestone in their journey to honor their roots while maintaining quality and tradition.
Limited Release Strategy: The distillery is limiting the release of Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve to one bottle per person on April 22, 2026, emphasizing exclusivity and scarcity. This approach aligns with growing consumer interest in rare, aged spirits and creates a sense of urgency among collectors.
Family Legacy Continuation: The bourbon is part of a yearly tradition that honors Henry Kraver’s birthday, reflecting the distillery's commitment to preserving its family history. This strategy not only strengthens brand identity but also reinforces loyalty among customers who value heritage and craftsmanship.
Original Press Release
The 10-year Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve is set to release on April 22, 2026.
Louisville, Kentucky – March 2026 – Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. is pleased to announce the release of its first 10-year-old whiskey. The 10-year-old Henry Kraver’s Old Reserve Bourbon is set to be released at the Peerless Distillery, 120 N 10th Street, Louisville, Kentucky, on April 22, 2026. There will be a one-bottle purchase limit per person. Kraver’s Reserve Bourbon will be released once a year on Henry Kraver’s birthday, making the next (Batch 2) release scheduled for April 22, 2027.
“This is to honor my great-grandfather. And to honor all of our employees who have done an incredible job making the whiskey and finishing the product for distribution. We have a GREAT team at Peerless.” - Roy M. “Corky” Taylor III
Celebrating not only the release of their first official age-statement bottle, but paying homage to the founder of Kentucky Peerless, Henry Kraver, Peerless set out to honor their heritage. This release marks 10 years of whiskey aging since the family revived the Peerless brand. Henry Kraver started crafting Peerless whiskey in 1889. The 4th- and 5th-generation descendants of Kraver operate under the same DSP-KY-50 as Kraver did in the 1800s.
Since the revival, Peerless has earned accolades worldwide, including ‘World’s Best Bourbon’ in 2024 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition. Vowing to set new quality standards in the industry, they craft from grain to bottle in-house using sweet mash. The 10-year-old bourbon and package have been years in the making. It features a distinct label that stands out from its Peerless counterparts. Like all Peerless whiskey, it is barrel proof, with Batch 1 boasting a proof of 117.6 (58.5% ABV).
Batch 1 Tasting Notes - Nose: The nose opens warm and deeply layered with sweet, smoldering pipe tobacco and the nutty richness of candied peanuts, with a light touch of almond extract. Classic notes of old-fashioned French vanilla ice cream and roasted vanilla bean bring a creamy sweetness, while soft hints of port wine and ripe grapes add a dark, fruity depth. As the whiskey opens up, comforting bakery aromas begin to rise: bread pudding and buttered French toast, woven together with a subtle sweetness of applewood that gives the nose a warm, nostalgic character. Palate: The palate is rich, expressive, and slightly wild in the best way. It opens with the caramelized intensity of burnt brownie edges layered with mocha coffee and deep toffee. Bright candied orange peel cuts through the richness, followed by a jammy blend of pear, apple, and cranberry that adds balance and lift. A gentle touch of sweet clove spice appears alongside graham crackers spread with natural peanut butter, carried by a soft, sticky, marshmallow-like texture that coats the mouth. The finish leans rustic and mature, unfolding notes of tobacco barn, sweet pipe tobacco, and charred applewood, leaving a lingering vintage funk that speaks to well-aged Kentucky bourbon.
“I’m grateful for Peerless’s continuous approach to elevating industry standards. Ten-year-old barrels carry very prominent notes that require careful pairing when batching. We couldn’t be happier with the result. Kraver's 10-year Old Reserve is a wonderful representation of a decade’s worth of hard work and patience!” - Nick Klee, Distiller and Batcher.
Source: BevNET
