Old Pepper Bourbon Whiskey

Unlike the average whiskey barrel, which has its staves air-seasoned for six months prior to assembly, the staves for these barrels were air-seasoned for 18-24 months. This overall process results in more flavor being released in the oak, which in turn is imparted into the already matured whiskey, creating a full-bodied and complex whiskey bottled straight from the barrel – uncut and unfiltered.

Classification: Straight Bourbon

Company: James Pepper Distilling Co.

Distillery: James Pepper Distilling Co.

Proof: 104.4

Mashbill: 80% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 8% Malted Rye

Color: Caramel

History

The Old Pepper Distillery is rich with history. Assigned DSP-KY-5, its roots date back to 1780 when the distillery was first established. James E. Pepper was a third generation distiller and operated the distillery until 1906, when he passed away. In 1958, the distillery fell on hard times and shut down. In 2008, Amir Peay of Georgetown Trading Co. acquired rights to the brand and began efforts to bring it back to life. Up until recently, their whiskeys have been sourced from MGP in Indiana, but the company has recently started to transition to its own distillate.

James E. Pepper Single Barrel Bourbon was 100% distilled by James Pepper Distilling Co. and features a 4 year old age statement. Its mashbill stands out as it features 12% malted barley as its secondary grain, with 8% malted rye rounding it out. This 20% malted grain does add a noticeable malty sweetness to its sip and a degree of lightness despite it being a cask strength pour. It doesn’t taste youthful for 4 years old, though it tastes more traditional than I’d expect from its mashbill. In its current form, this single barrel relies heavily on caramel, vanilla, and oak, though it does it well nevertheless. Having tasted the company’s very good James E. Pepper Barrel Proof Decanter Bourbon, which is at least 5 years old, I am confident good times are ahead as this distillate continues to age.