James E. Pepper

Overview of the Distillery

James E. Pepper in Lexington is a historic Kentucky whiskey brand and a rebuilt distillery, relaunched in 2008 and resumed distilling in December 2017. The brand has roots in the Pepper family and distinguishes itself by combining historical research with a rebuilt distillery building. The distillery operates under DSP-KY-5 and offers bookable tours.

History

The history of James E. Pepper begins with the Pepper family and their early distilling ventures in Kentucky, dating back to the early years of the United States. The family built a site that today houses Woodford Reserve, and later James E. Pepper Distillery was established in Lexington. Production was halted in the late 1960s and the facility abandoned. In 2008, Amir Peay revived the brand after a targeted effort with historical research and collection of archival materials. After several years of restoration, the historic facility was completely rebuilt, and in December 2017 distilling was resumed with a reconstructed historical recipe.

Raw Materials and Production

Production at James E. Pepper combines historical documentation with modern operations. The relaunch began with partnerships, so some early bottles contained whiskey distilled at other facilities; this information is indicated on the product labels. After rebuilding the Lexington distillery, production began in December 2017 with a historical recipe as the starting point. The distillery is registered under DSP-KY-5, and the website lists an alcohol range of 50–60% ABV for the products, but details such as mash bill, fermentation time, and number of pot stills are not specified on the site.

Aging and Cask Types

The website documents the use of age statements such as 6 years and 15 years, as well as the use of a sherry finish in at least one rye release. It shows that the company works with long-term aging and finishes in aromatic casks, and that some older and age-stated releases have been available on the market.

Whiskeys

The range includes both bourbons and rye whiskeys with age statements and special finishes. The website explicitly lists titles such as 6 Year Bourbon, 15 Year Bourbon, 15 Year Rye, and Sherry Cask Finish Rye; these products are listed as Sold Out.

General Flavor Profile

Visiting the Distillery

The distillery offers public tours, and the website repeatedly encourages booking tours via its site booking function. For bookings and contact, the email info@jamesepepper.com is provided. The visiting location is listed as 1228 Manchester St., Lexington, KY, and the distillery operates under DSP-KY-5.

Philosophy and Craft

James E. Pepper focuses on historical authenticity by using archival research and historical materials to reconstruct an original recipe. The rebuilding of the historic facility has been central to the ambition to revive the brand and preserve a part of Kentucky's whiskey heritage.