Creating a balanced rye whiskey is no easy task – but then again the James E. Pepper Distillery seems to like a challenge.
The Pepper Distillery has recently re-emerged on the whiskey scene after closing its doors in 1967. The original distillery was established in 1780 and through three generations of Pepper men (including the man, the myth, the legend, Colonel James E. Pepper), left some significant marks on the whiskey world. Under new ownership, the current James E. Pepper Distillery has released four whiskeys: one bourbon and three ryes. The flagship 1776 Bourbon was a delicious surprise with a distinctly rye finish, so we were prepared to only assume good things about its sibling the James E. Pepper 1776 Rye Whiskey.
Thankfully, we assumed correctly. The James E. Pepper 1776 Rye Whiskey is about as rye-forward as a rye could be, which makes a lot of sense when you realize it comes from a 95% rye and 5% malted barley mash bill. The whiskey starts off with a strong scent of orange before launching into a full herb parade including eucalyptus and mint. The finale is a heavy punch of pepper and clove just to make things memorable.
The flavors of the James E. Pepper 1776 Rye Whiskey are what we’ve been looking for in so many other ryes. It’s herbal, but not grassy, spicy, but not overwhelming – it’s a delightfully balanced rye through and through. The 1776 Rye is a no-brainer for rye-forward cocktails like a Sazerac or as a tasty, neat treat.
For a distillery looking to rebuild a legacy, the James E. Pepper 1776 Rye Whiskey is certainly a step in the right direction.
STATS: James E. Pepper 1776 Rye Whiskey
- Price for us: $30 for 750 mL
- Proof: 100
- Aged: 3-4 Years
- Distillery: James E. Pepper Distilling Company
- Recommendation: Neat or in a classic rye-based cocktail
