Peerless Single Barrel Double Oak Rye The Barrel Tap Private Select #2

Peerless Single Barrel Double Oak Rye The Barrel Tap Private Select #2

Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey | 52.05% ABV | 104.1 Proof | 750mL | Single Barrel | Double Oak | Barrel Proof | The Barrel Tap Private Select #2

Process & Profile

Peerless Single Barrel Double Oak Rye The Barrel Tap Private Select #2 is our second exclusive single-barrel selection of Peerless Double Oak Rye Whiskey, bottled at 104.1 proof and available exclusively through The Barrel Tap.

Produced and bottled by Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. in Louisville, Kentucky, the whiskey begins as Peerless Kentucky Straight Rye and undergoes maturation in two separate new oak casks. Exposure to a second barrel creates another full extraction from the oak, intensifying the rye's natural grain, fruit, spice, and herbal character while building additional sweetness, toast, and texture.

Peerless produces its whiskey using a strict sweet mash process, beginning each fermentation with fresh grain and water rather than using backset from a previous distillation. The whiskey is bottled at barrel proof with no water added and is never chill-filtered.

Because this is a true single-barrel private selection, Private Select #2 represents one specific barrel rather than a blend of multiple barrels. We selected it for The Barrel Tap as a follow-up to our first Peerless Double Oak Rye pick, offering another individual expression of the distillery's distinctive double-oak rye style.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet seasoned oak, orange zest, caramel, vanilla, and warm rye spice

Palate: Molasses, earthy cinnamon, toasted oak, dark caramel, florals, and smoked herbs

Finish: Long and warming with candied smoke, oak spice, caramelized sweetness, and lingering rye character

What Makes It Special

Private Select #2 combines three elements that make this release particularly distinctive: single-barrel selection, double-oak maturation, and barrel-proof bottling.

Peerless specifically selects rye barrels whose grain, fruit, and herbaceous characteristics can stand up to additional oak influence. The whiskey is then exposed to a second oak cask, providing another opportunity for extraction and developing more concentrated oak, spice, sweetness, and mouthfeel.

As a Barrel Tap private barrel, this release goes a step beyond the standard Double Oak Rye. We selected one individual barrel for its own character, meaning Private Select #2 cannot be recreated simply by purchasing another bottle from a different barrel or batch.

At 104.1 proof, this selection delivers full barrel character without reaching the extreme proof levels sometimes associated with cask-strength whiskey. The result is a concentrated rye with substantial oak and spice while remaining approachable enough to explore neat.

How to Enjoy

Enjoy Peerless Double Oak Rye The Barrel Tap Private Select #2 neat in a Glencairn or other whiskey tasting glass to experience the barrel's full aroma, texture, and rye character.

At 104.1 proof, it can also benefit from a few drops of water, which may bring forward additional caramel, citrus, vanilla, and spice while opening the whiskey's heavier oak notes.

For a cocktail, its double-oak intensity and barrel-proof structure make it especially well suited to a Rye Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Sazerac, where the whiskey can remain prominent alongside bitters, vermouth, or citrus oils.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Peerless Single Barrel Double Oak Rye The Barrel Tap Private Select #2?

It is an exclusive single-barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey selected by The Barrel Tap from Kentucky Peerless' Double Oak Rye program. This is our second Peerless Double Oak Rye private barrel selection.

2. What does Double Oak mean for this Peerless Rye?

The rye is exposed to two separate new oak casks, creating two full barrel extractions. The additional oak contact develops greater depth, toast, sweetness, spice, and mouthfeel.

3. What proof is The Barrel Tap Private Select #2?

This private barrel is bottled at 104.1 proof, equal to 52.05% alcohol by volume. Peerless bottles its whiskey at barrel proof without adding water.

4. Is Peerless Private Select #2 a single barrel?

Yes. This is one individual barrel selected specifically for The Barrel Tap rather than a blend of multiple barrels, making the release limited to the bottles produced from that single selection.

5. Where can I buy Peerless Single Barrel Double Oak Rye The Barrel Tap Private Select #2?

You can buy Peerless Single Barrel Double Oak Rye The Barrel Tap Private Select #2 directly from The Barrel Tap, where you can shop our exclusive barrel picks and other premium rye whiskeys online.