James E Pepper Barrel Proof Decanter (750Ml)

Description

James E. Pepper Decanter Barrel Proof is a Kentucky straight bourbon with a long family story behind it. The brand carries the name of James E. Pepper. His family helped shape the bourbon trade in the late 1800s. Today the whiskey is distilled and bottled at the historic James E. Pepper Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky. The site is registered as DSP-KY-5. The brand had gone quiet for decades before this revival brought it home to Lexington.

The recipe uses corn, rye, malted barley and malted rye. Several mash bills are blended together, along with some older stocks. The non-GMO corn comes from the Gilkinson family farm in Fayette County. Water is drawn from the distillery's historic limestone well. Distilling happens on a Vendome copper column still and doubler.

Barrels matter a lot here. They are built from Kentucky oak that air-dries for 18 to 24 months. Each barrel is toasted first and then charred. The new spirit goes in at a lower entry proof. It rests for an average of more than five years. Then it is bottled straight from the barrel, uncut and unfiltered. Early batches averaged about 105 proof, so expect real strength in your glass.

The bottle is part of the charm. It recreates a decanter the distillery filled back in 1945. The design returned in 2023, and its clear glass shows off the whiskey's rich color. It looks handsome on a home bar and makes a thoughtful gift for a bourbon fan. Pour slowly, and you can watch the light pick up the amber tones. It is the kind of bottle people ask about.

Pour a glass and you'll notice toasted oak and walnuts on the nose. The palate brings more oak, dried dark fruit and a sweet marzipan note. The finish is medium-long, with creamy vanilla, citrus peel and nutmeg. It drinks bold at full strength, yet the flavors stay clear and easy to follow. Critics noticed. Fred Minnick gave it 94 points and called it one of the best bourbons of 2023. It also made his Top 25 American Whiskey Releases of 2023.

Start with a small pour, neat, and give it a minute in the glass. A few drops of water will then bring out more fruit and nut. It also makes a rich Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Grilled steak, smoked ribs, aged cheddar and dark chocolate are all great partners. If you enjoy full-strength bourbon with real history behind it, this decanter deserves a place on your shelf. It also rewards side-by-side tasting with other barrel proof bottles, since its fruit and nut notes stand out clearly.

Product Details

• SKU: 860009837720
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• ABV: 52.7%
• Origin / Country: Lexington, Kentucky, United States
• Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Brand: James E. Pepper
• Age Statement: No age statement; average age over 5 years
• Grain / Mash Bill: Corn, rye, malted barley, malted rye (blend of mash bills)
• Cask Type: New toasted and charred Kentucky oak barrels, air-seasoned 18-24 months
• Awards: 94 points, Fred Minnick; Fred Minnick Top 25 American Whiskey Releases of 2023
• Recommended Pairing: Grilled steak, smoked BBQ ribs, aged cheddar, dark chocolate
• Mixing Suggestion: Best neat or with a few drops of water; also great in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan
• Taste Profile: Oak, dried dark fruits, marzipan
• Aroma & Bouquet: Toasted oak, walnuts
• Smooth & Finish: Medium-long, with creamy vanilla, citrus peel and nutmeg