The Story

The ‘Old Pepper’ label was proudly produced by Colonel James E. Pepper during his lifetime and marketed as ‘The Oldest and Best Brand of Whiskey made in Kentucky.’ Through Col. Pepper’s advocacy on behalf of the bourbon industry, it was the first label in Kentucky to be bottled at the distillery, and his invention of the ‘signature strip stamp’ was later incorporated into the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, assuring consumers of the quality of the whiskey in the bottle. Our label today incorporates historic fonts and designs from the 1880s through the turn of the century, including the signature strip labelonce again giving consumers valuable information about where and when the whiskey was made and bottled.

Technical

100% Rye, i.e. a ‘Pure Rye’ as Col. Pepper used to produce; Aged in new toasted & charred barrels made from Kentucky Oak, air seasoned a minimum of 18-24 months; Water source from the historic distillery well. Distilled and bottled at the historic James E. Pepper Distillery (DSP-KY-5) in Lexington, Kentucky. Aged a minimum of 4 years and bottled at 100 proof. Distilling season listed on signature strip label.

Tasting notes: Complex and balanced; Notes of chocolate peppermint and wildflower honey.

Awards / Accolades

“Phenomenal… The best $50 rye on the market”, Bourbon Life Podcast (season 4, episode 28)