I don’t typically compare bottles that are so different in proof, but the fruit forward flavors of Peerless reminded me of Hancock’s. Since Hancock’s has become so hard to find for reasonable prices (I routinely see it for $150+), I was curious if a more easily available bottle could take its place!
Fancy Glencairn can’t resist the fancier bottle, let’s see if she is a winner today!

Hancock’s) $59 (but almost impossible to find for that price), 88 proof. Buffalo Trace Mashbill #2.
-The Nose start floral and fruity, with mango, along with caramel and tobacco. As my bottle has opened up there is also a strange hint of beef-stew.
-The Palate is very light, with almost no burn, and dominated by tropical mango, caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.
-The Finish is medium, with vanilla, rye spice, and charred oak.

Peerless) $70, Aged 4yrs, 110.2 proof. Sweet mash.
-The Nose is full. It starts with rye-spice and some alcohol that opens up to reveal floral spearmint, oak, vanilla, and peanut-butter.
-The Palate is initially a little thin, but the flavors keep building. It starts with herbal rye spice, and then the sweeter flavors of vanilla and caramel come out, along with lots of dark cherry fruitiness, cinnamon, toasted oak, and some peanuts.
-The Finish is medium-long with rye spice and more herbal notes transitioning to a lightly drying toasted oak finish with some clove, cinnamon, and cardamom.

VERDICT) So, turns out these are more different than I originally thought. But surprisingly the Peerless is MILES better than Hancock’s to my palate. (I do prefer the fuller flavors of higher proofs, and if someone prefers very easy-drinking lower proof you may disagree). I can definitely say that you should NOT pay inflated prices for Hancock’s, there are much more flavorful, and fancier looking, bottles for less money!
Fancy Glencairn’s appreciation for the beautiful Peerless bottles pays off in this round!

Does this comparison help you guys in any way LOL??