Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. announced that R.M. “Corky” Taylor, the 4th Generation Chairman/CEO of the company, has been inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame’s 2024 class. Corky Taylor, a well-respected businessman across the country, is a passionate Bourbon entrepreneur. He came out of retirement to fulfill his lifelong dream of reviving Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. along with his son Carson. They reinstated the family legacy in Louisville, gaining national recognition and awards for their patiently aged whiskey that meets the original Peerless quality standards set in 1889. Corky is also known for his community involvement and a warm welcome to visitors at the distillery. When you meet Corky Taylor, you’ll gain a friend for life.
“I am honored and humbled to accept this Hall of Fame induction. This honor goes back to my great-grandfather who started Peerless in 1889. My son Carson and I built the distillery from the ground up, and it is the employees who have helped resurrect the Peerless brand, as well as built a company that is known in all 50 states. It takes a team to be successful and I am proud of our history and the people who helped build Peerless to what it is today. Thank you for this honor,” Corky Taylor, Chairman/CEO, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., said.
Eric Gregory, longtime president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association that created and operates the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame®, lauded this year’s visionary class and said, “Our signature Bourbon industry would not be what it is today without these distinguished honorees. Each put the industry before self, helping Kentucky cement its place in history as the international and undisputed home of Bourbon. And now we are honored to honor them. On behalf of our signature industry, we offer congratulations — and a heartfelt thank you — to these Bourbon heroes.”
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) established the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® in 2001 to honor individuals and organizations that have had a significant and transformative impact on the Bourbon industry. It is the highest recognition given by the industry. Each year, nominees are selected by the KDA and its member distilleries. A distinguished committee, which includes living recipients of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award, carefully evaluates and chooses up to five individuals for induction.
The 2021 inductees in alphabetical order are Elmer Lucille Allen, Dee Ford, Ken Lewis, the late Peter T. Loftin, and R.M. Corky Taylor. The invitation-only ceremony will take place on Tuesday, September 10, at The Legacy at Log Still in Nelson County, Kentucky. This exclusive event is held annually alongside the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown.
