The James E. Pepper Decanter Barrel Proof Bourbon revives a historic bottle design from 1945, crafted to highlight the deep, natural color of its whiskey. This expression is a testament to the distillery’s approach, utilizing lower barrel entry proof and premium cooperage.

Overview

This barrel proof bourbon from James E. Pepper is a distinctive offering, blending some of the distillery’s oldest stocks. It is produced using a unique mash bill that includes corn, rye, malted barley, and malted rye. The whiskey is aged for an average of 5.5 years in new toasted and charred barrels made from Kentucky Oak, which have been air-seasoned for a minimum of 18 to 24 months. The water used in its production is sourced from the distillery’s historic well. This bourbon is bottled straight from the barrel, without cutting or filtering, preserving its natural character.

Technical Details

The production of this bourbon takes place at the James E. Pepper Distillery, located in Lexington, Kentucky, identified as DSP-KY-5. The careful selection of grains for its distinct mash bills contributes to its complex profile. Maturation occurs in new barrels crafted from Kentucky Oak, which undergo an extensive air-seasoning process for 18 to 24 months before being toasted and charred. This meticulous barrel preparation, combined with a lower barrel entry proof, is intended to enhance the whiskey’s rich color and flavor development. The average age of the whiskies in this blend is 5.5 years, ensuring a well-matured spirit.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Offers aromas of toasted oak and walnuts.
Palate: Presents flavors of oak, dried dark fruits, and marzipan.
Finish: Concludes with a medium-long finish, featuring notes of creamy vanilla, citrus peel, and nutmeg.

Awards and Accolades

This bourbon has received notable recognition, including 94 points from Fred Minnick, who described it as “Absolutely delicious… Delicate hazelnut and toffee” and ranked it #27 among the Top 30 American Whiskey Releases in 2023. Astor Wines, NY, 2023, also praised the expression, stating that “the whiskies coming of age now are some of the finest from any American Whiskey producer… this Bourbon is arguably the most impressive you will find at this age.”

Packaging

The Decanter bottle is a direct recreation of a historic design first produced at the distillery in 1945. Its design specifically aims to showcase the rich, deep color of the bourbon, a characteristic influenced by the careful production methods and barrel aging.