James E. Pepper 1776 Straight Bourbon (100 Proof) Beige Label

Without a way to thread posts on Distiller I will point out that this is part of a series of posts regarding Bulleit, Wilderness Trail and James E. Pepper distillery tours. This is the end, the last pour (sort of) for the day. A blended, 3-4 year, MGP sourced 36% rye mash bill (per the many barrels "MGPI OF INDIANA" labeled barrels in their bottling room). Their own barrels have to be moved off site to age due to fire/code restrictions (apparently storing tens of thousands of gallons of 110-120 proof whiskey in the midst of a "city" is frowned upon). My nose was broken at this point but the palate is young and essentially flavored with the grains themselves - frosted wheaties or rye checks cereal with sugar added. Nothing to see here folks, move along... if you are going to source from MGI at least buy something they have aged more than 3 years. I understand buying young spirits keeps costs low but this just misses the mark. Now, on a side note, I did taste one of their single barrel rye offerings that was finished for a year or so in a second barrel. That - unlike any of their other offerings - was dang good. Plenty of oak to help balance the marshmallow and peppermint swirl candy sweetness with a bit of black pepper thrown in. Great taste, but at $80 a bottle I couldn't justify bringing it home. If you're every in Lexington and want to splurge on James E. Pepper (MGP) then their double oaked single barrel is the tastiest of their options but try at the bar before you buy. That concludes a day long journey off the beaten Kentucky Bourbon Trail (although Wilderness Trail is officially on it). The lesson of the day is know what you're paying for and that in a few years whatever is in the bottle will change, for better or for worse, as the aging stock of bourbon climbs. Maybe some day that will drive prices back down. Maybe...

Earlier this year I bought a bottle of James E Pepper 1776 Straight Rye and after it was opened for a bit I really enjoyed the whiskey inside. I have read mixed reviews about this bourbon and when I saw it on sale for $25 I gave it a try. Before I begin with the review I have to say that I did a pour when first opened the bottle and I was not impressed so as with the rye bottle I let it rest for a few weeks and once again the oxygen did its job. In the Glencairn, it has a dark tawny to light amber color and it coats the glass nicely. On the nose, I get woody notes right off the bat and then some vanilla and maybe honey. There is a sweet scent that I am not sure of. The body is full and hot. The sweetness is there with the vanilla and light caramel the wood is also there and maybe too much. The finish is somewhat bitter or astringent with some char and sweetness rounding it out. Overall, I was disappointed in this bourbon. It may be too young or the mash bill is not to my liking but this is not something I will repurchase anytime soon. To be a straight bourbon whiskey it has to be at least 2 years old I think they should age it a good bit longer and maybe it will smooth out the rough edges. This does make a decent Old Fashioned and a good Manhattan, but you must use good sweet vermouth with it or the bitterness of the bourbon makes this drink too bitter. I wish I had better things to say about this alas I do not its big bold flavor is wasted on a bitter finish.

After my excellent experience with the JP rye I was on the lookout for this bourbon. Found last lonely bottle on the shelf. Very high rye% at 39 and 100 pf non chill filtered. Poured neat, a swirl gives a nice glasscoat. Noses spicy nutty caramel, seasoned wood, some birch beer notes, maple syrup, dusty rye and a bit of sting to the nostrils( fades at rest). Palate is heavy smack of smoky dark caramel oak, rye spice heat, cocoa powder, melting butterscotch and some glove leather. Its a little hot at 100pf and tastes young with flavors not fully developed. Finish is lengthy charred oak with butterscotch and rye spice drying slowly. The high rye kicks up the spice and the 100pf adds in making an overall too hot impression. Needs more maturation for depth and roundness.............76/100...........Belle Meade is similar profile and superior imo

Quick hit: somebody brought this over for Christmas dinner. Of all the different MGP products that have flooded the market, this one is decidedly middling. I appreciate the 50% ABV and the unfiltered nature, but despite that, this one still falls flat. Nice vanilla notes, but the oak is muted. Reminds me a bit too much of poor quality Canadian whiskey. You can do a lot better if you’re in the mood for MGP bourbon. If you can find the Smokewagon Uncut Unfiltered or an older Smooth Ambler, go for that. If not, grab anything from Belle Meade.

I probably would not buy it again with so many others in line ahead to try. It does have a little bit more of a bite then I like, but it did make for a very delicious old-fashioned.

Nose of vanilla and caramel. Sweet caramel forward, with a spicy peppery lingering finish. Light taste of oak, lightly tannic, overall balanced and enjoyable.