Peerless Rye Finished In A Cognac Barrel - Peerless Rye Whiskey Finished In A Cognac Barrel crafted at 100 Proof, 50% ABV. Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company began in Henderson, Kentucky in the early 1880s and has been distilling whiskey ever since. During the Prohibition era, Peerless products were some of the few available by prescription for medicinal use.