James E. Pepper 1776 is a Straight Bourbon sourced from MGP, Indiana. Aged for three to four years in new charred oak and bottled without chill filtration at James E. Pepper distillery at 100% proof (50% ABV). The mash bill implies a spicy bourbon due to its high rye mash (60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley).
The Pepper family operated two distilleries, the James E. Pepper in Lexington, and the founding site that hosts the Woodford Reserve distillery in Versailles. The name of the brand was promoted by Col James E. Pepper back in the late 1700s as “Old 1776”.
From the website:
“Colonel James E. Pepper (1850-1906), Master Distiller, was a larger-than-life Bourbon Industrialist and flamboyant promoter of his family brand. He was the third generation to produce ‘Old Pepper’ whiskey, “The Oldest and Best Brand of Whisky made in Kentucky,” founded in 1780 during the American Revolution. His namesake distillery in Lexington, Kentucky was at one point the largest whiskey distillery in the United States.”
“Colonel Pepper is credited with introducing the world to the “Old Fashioned” cocktail, which was said to have been invented in his honor by a bartender at the famed Pendennis Club in Louisville.”
The family business was successful for several decades until it closed its doors in 1958 due to a decline in sales in the whisky industry.
In 2008, the brand was rescued by entrepreneur Amir Peay, who sourced the bourbon from MGP while distilling started in 2017. Now the notes for James E. Pepper’s 1776 bourbon.
Tasting Notes for James E. Pepper’s 1776 Bourbon
Nose: A classic bourbon nose with inviting aromas of fruits, vanilla, and honey.
Palate: The arrival is slightly sweet but does not develop into a syrupy sensation. Instead, the sour and bitter notes from the oak come forward and dominate the experience. Adding water improves the taste significantly by bringing up the sweet and spicy notes and diminishing the bitterness.
Finish: A long and oaky finish.
Conclusion: The nose is very inviting, but the flavors let me down because I was expecting a continuation of the sweet aromas on the palate which did not happen. Adding a teaspoon of water transformed James E. Pepper into a more balanced and approachable bourbon. Not a very impressive bourbon, but not a bad one, especially for $40.
Score: 3/5 ⭐
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