At Great American Craft Spirits, we pride ourselves on offering spirits that not only taste exceptional but also carry a rich history. One such brand is the James E. Pepper Distillery, an iconic Kentucky whiskey distillery with roots that stretch back to the American Revolution. The story of the Pepper family brand is one of resilience, legacy, and revival, making it a true gem in the world of whiskey.
A Revolutionary Beginning
The Pepper family began distilling whiskey in 1780, during the height of the American Revolution. Over the years, their whiskey became known as "The Oldest and Best Brand of Whisky made in Kentucky," a reputation that was carefully cultivated across generations. The family built two major distilleries—the first on the site that is now home to Woodford Reserve, and the second, the James E. Pepper Distillery in Lexington. These distilleries were not just places of production but were the heart of a burgeoning American whiskey tradition.
The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth
Colonel James E. Pepper, a larger-than-life figure and third-generation master distiller, was instrumental in bringing the family whiskey to prominence. Known as much for his flamboyant personality as for his whiskey, Colonel Pepper was a staunch advocate for the bourbon industry. He even introduced the world to the "Old Fashioned" cocktail, which is said to have been created in his honor at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.
However, like many in the bourbon industry, the Pepper family brand faced hard times in the late 1960s. The industry as a whole was struggling, and the James E. Pepper Distillery was abandoned. For over fifty years, the distillery fell into disrepair, and the once-renowned brand became a distant memory.
But in 2008, whiskey entrepreneur Amir Peay took on the monumental task of reviving the Pepper family legacy. After a decade of painstaking historical research, Peay relaunched the brand, ensuring that the new stocks of "Pepper" whiskey would honor the original recipes and techniques. Partnerships with the Lawrenceburg Distillery in Indiana and the Bardstown Bourbon Co. in Kentucky helped to initiate this revival, with some of the new whiskies being distilled at these esteemed locations.
A Historic Distillery Restored
One of the most significant milestones in the brand's revival was the restoration of the historic James E. Pepper Distillery. After years of neglect, the distillery was meticulously rebuilt and restored to its former glory. In December 2017, the distillery once again began producing whiskey, using the same historic recipe that had been employed when it shut down in 1967. This achievement was not just a triumph for the Pepper family brand but also for the entire bourbon industry, marking the return of a National Historic Landmark to its rightful place in American whiskey history.
The Legacy Continues
Today, the Pepper family whiskey continues to embody the spirit of its founders, combining centuries-old tradition with modern craftsmanship. From the bourbon enthusiast to the casual sipper, this whiskey offers a taste of history in every glass.
The Products
James E. Pepper 1776 Straight Bourbon Whiskey
100 Proof - Un-Filtered - 60% Corn, 36% Rye and 4% Malted Barley in the Mash Bill; Aged 3-4 years; Distilled at the Lawrenceburg Distillery in Indiana or Bardstown Bourbon Co. in Kentucky . Cut to Proof and Hand Bottled at the Historic James E. Pepper Distillery using water from the historic limestone well.
50 Proof (ABV 100%)
Shop James E. Pepper 1776 Straight Bourbon Whiskey here.
James E. Pepper 1776 Straight Rye Whiskey
100 Proof - Un-Filtered - 95% Rye and 5% Malted Barley in the Mash Bill; Aged 3-4 years; Distilled at the Lawrenceburg Distillery in Indiana. Cut to Proof and Hand Bottled at the Historic James E. Pepper Distillery using water from the historic limestone well.
50 Proof (ABV 100%)
Shop James E. Pepper 1776 Straight Rye Whiskey here.
James E. Pepper Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey
The initial releases of the Decanter Bourbon feature a final grain bill that includes corn, rye, malted barley and malted rye. All whiskies were crafted using water from the historic distillery well and aged in new toasted and charred barrels made from Kentucky oak air-seasoned for a minimum of 18-24 months. Due to the low barrel entry proof, the initial batches were bottled with a final cask strength averaging 105-proof.
52 Proof (ABV 105%)
Shop James E. Pepper Barrel Proof Bourbon here.
Here at Great American Craft Spirits, we are honored to carry the Pepper family brand! It's more than just whiskey; it's a testament to American perseverance, innovation, and the enduring legacy of one of Kentucky's most iconic whiskey families. So, raise a glass to the past, present, and future of the Pepper family whiskey—where history is distilled with every pour.