Distillery
James E. Pepper
Historic Kentucky brand focused on whiskey, bourbon and rye: rebuilt on the historic Lexington site and relaunched in the 21st century, it produces the 1776 Bourbon and 1776 Rye labels and offers tours of the restored site.
- Lexington · Kentucky · United States
- 2 products
The story
The Pepper name is a historic Kentucky label linked to the Pepper family and whiskey production dating back centuries. The original brand ceased operations in the second half of the 20th century; the name was revived beginning in 2008. After extensive historical research and restoration of the historic area, the Lexington site was reconstructed and distillation resumed in December 2017; in the meantime early commercial releases were also obtained by sourcing from other producers while local stocks matured.
Production philosophy
To reconnect with the Pepper brand's historic tradition: use historical recipes from the Lexington site, bottle on location, and combine local expressions with stocks selected from partners to reintroduce the aromatic profiles of the past with modern production and transparency standards.
Territory
Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Awards and recognition
Several expressions from the 1776 line have received international recognition (e.g. Gold/Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in various years; mentions among the best ryes under certain price bands in expert tastings such as those by Fred Minnick).
Production method
The distillery is operational (DSP-KY-5) and reports having resumed local production in 2017. For the relaunch both distillates produced in-house and whiskey acquired from other distilleries/suppliers were used in the initial phase; final bottling is carried out at the historic site. (Technical details of the mash bills and the distillation program are published by the producer.)
Ageing
Maturation in Kentucky oak barrels; cooperage indicated as 'Kentucky Oak' air-seasoned 18–24 months, with variable toast and char level (char #1–4).
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Lexington
- Categories
- American whiskey
- Kentucky bourbon
- Rye whiskey
- Historic brand
- Distillery with tours and museum
- Raw materials
- corn
- rye
- malted barley
- water (historic distillery well)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- Kentucky oak barrels (air-seasoned 18–24 months; toasted; char #1–4)
- Representative products
- James E. Pepper 1776 Bourbon 70cl
- James E.Pepper 1776 Rye 70cl
What makes it distinctive
- Historic Kentucky brand, revived and operating with a restored distillery in Lexington.
- Relaunch started in 2008; local distillation resumed in December 2017.
- 1776 lines (Bourbon and Rye) distributed on the market; initial bottles were also based on stocks supplied by third parties before local production became available.
- Production program that declares the use of historic mash bills and blends aimed at recreating original profiles.