James E. Pepper 1776 Straight Rye Whiskey Barrel Proof

James E. Pepper Straight 1776 Rye Whiskey Barrel Proof

The first brand of whiskey created in Kentucky (United States) was that of the Pepper family, which they began marketing in 1780. They had two distilleries, one now known as Woodford Reserve and the other in Lexington. It was James E. Pepper – Army Colonel and Master Distiller active in the second half of the 1800s – who further improved the distribution of the products. Settled in Manhattan, as the third generation representative of the “best and oldest Kentucky whiskey brand,” he has promoted his he bourbon to illustrious personalities such as Rockefeller, Theodore Roosevelt, Charles L. Tiffany and many others. The “Old Fashioned” cocktail was dedicated to Colonel Pepper by a bartender from the Pendennis Club. The situation changed in the twentieth century after Prohibition and the collapse of the warehouse: the Pepper distillery closed for about 50 years and then resumed business in recent years .
The study of the papers found in the distillery lasted 10 years, in order to define both the details of the production and the products made at the time. The copper column (copper still), the main attraction in visits to the Distillery given its remarkable beauty, is able to increase current production. The water is still that of the limestone well. Local suppliers of raw materials have been reactivated.

Made with 95% rye and 5% malted barley. No type of filtration. Aged for over 4 years in new charred oak barrels. Complex and tasty, spicy notes. Deep notes of mint, spices, cloves, eucalyptus, chocolate and honey.