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

This is the final tasting for the day as part of a series on distillery tours. It's a blend, aged 3-4 years, sourced from MGP with a 36% rye mash bill, based on the "MGPI OF INDIANA" labeled barrels observed. Their own barrels are stored off-site due to regulations. My sense of smell was compromised, but the palate is immature, tasting primarily of grains like frosted wheaties or rye cereal with added sugar. It's unremarkable; sourcing from MGP is understandable for cost savings, but this spirit is underdeveloped. Separately, a single barrel rye finished for about a year in a second barrel was quite good, featuring oak, marshmallow, peppermint candy, and black pepper. While delicious, the $80 price was prohibitive. If you're in Lexington and want to splurge on this brand, the double oaked single barrel is their best, but sample it first. This concludes the journey off the usual Bourbon Trail. The key takeaway is to be aware of what you're purchasing, and recognize that the spirit will evolve over time, potentially for the better or worse, as aging stocks increase. Perhaps this will eventually lead to lower prices.

Earlier this year I acquired a bottle of James E Pepper 1776 Straight Rye and after it had been open for a while I truly appreciated the spirit inside. I've encountered varied opinions on this bourbon and when I noticed it on discount for $25, I decided to try it. Before I start my assessment, I must mention that I poured some when the bottle was first opened and was unimpressed; as with the rye, I let it sit for several weeks, and once again, the oxygen worked its magic. In the Glencairn, it presents a deep tawny to light amber hue and coats the glass well. On the nose, I detect woody notes immediately, followed by some vanilla and perhaps honey. There's a sweet aroma I can't quite identify. The body is substantial and warm. The sweetness is present with the vanilla and light caramel; the wood is also there, maybe excessively so. The finish is somewhat bitter or astringent, with some char and sweetness bringing it together. In conclusion, this bourbon left me feeling let down. It might be too young, or the grain recipe might not suit my preference, but this is not something I'll be purchasing again soon. For a straight bourbon whiskey, it must be at least 2 years old; I believe they should age it considerably longer, and perhaps then it will mellow its rough edges. It does make a respectable Old Fashioned and a solid Manhattan, but you must use quality sweet vermouth with it, or the bourbon's bitterness will make the drink overly sour. I wish I had more positive feedback to offer, but unfortunately, I don't; its bold flavor is undermined by a bitter finish.

Following a positive experience with their rye, I sought out this bourbon and found the last one. It features a high 39% rye content and is bottled at 100 proof, non-chill filtered. Served neat, it coats the glass nicely after swirling. The aroma offers spicy, nutty caramel, aged wood, hints of birch beer, maple syrup, and dusty rye, with a slight nasal sting that subsides. The palate is intensely hit with smoky dark caramel oak, rye spice heat, cocoa powder, melting butterscotch, and notes of leather. It's a bit hot at 100 proof and seems young, with underdeveloped flavors. The finish is long with charred oak, butterscotch, and slowly drying rye spice. The high rye content amplifies the spice, and the 100 proof adds to an overall overly hot impression. It requires more aging for greater depth and smoothness. Score: 76/100. Belle Meade offers a comparable profile and is superior in my opinion.

A brief impression: This was brought for Christmas dinner. Among the many MGP products available, this one is distinctly average. I appreciate the 50% ABV and the unfiltered nature, yet it still disappoints. It has pleasant vanilla notes, but the oak is understated. It bears a resemblance to low-quality Canadian whiskey. Better MGP bourbon choices are available; consider Smokewagon Uncut Unfiltered or an older Smooth Ambler, or anything from Belle Meade.

I likely wouldn't repurchase it given the many other options I want to explore. It does have a bit more bite than I prefer, but it made for a very delicious old-fashioned.

Vanilla and caramel notes on the nose. The palate leads with sweet caramel, followed by a lingering spicy, peppery finish. Subtle oak presence and light tannins contribute to a well-rounded and pleasant experience.