James E. Pepper distillery

Introduction to James E. Pepper

A distillery with passion for craft

James E. Pepper is an iconic American distillery with roots dating back to the birth of bourbon itself. Located in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, this historic distillery stands as a testament to American whiskey heritage, blending centuries-old traditions with modern craftsmanship. The revived distillery continues the legacy of one of America’s oldest and most influential whiskey brands.

Operating from its original location in the historic Distillery District of Lexington, James E. Pepper represents a triumphant return to glory after decades of silence. Their commitment to authentic production methods and historical accuracy makes each bottle a connection to America’s rich distilling past.

Why we have a soft spot for James E. Pepper

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries that honor their heritage while creating exceptional spirits for today’s connoisseurs. James E. Pepper stands out for its dedication to recreating historic recipes using the original mash bills from the 1800s, paired with traditional open fermentation and pot still distillation.

We particularly appreciate their respect for history combined with modern quality standards, producing whiskies that tell the story of American bourbon evolution across three centuries. Each bottle represents not just a fine whiskey, but a chapter in the American spirits narrative.

The History Behind James E. Pepper

Origin and Development

The James E. Pepper story begins in 1780, when Elijah Pepper began distilling in Versailles, Kentucky, making it one of America’s oldest whiskey brands. His son Oscar and grandson James E. Pepper would later expand the business into one of the most significant whiskey operations in the United States.

Under James E. Pepper’s leadership in the late 19th century, the brand achieved international recognition. He branded himself as “The Colonel” and proclaimed his whiskey as “Old 1776,” emphasizing its revolutionary heritage. After his death in 1906, the distillery continued production until 1958, when it sadly closed its doors, remaining silent for nearly 50 years.

In 2008, entrepreneur Amir Peay acquired the abandoned brand and meticulously researched its history, culminating in the reopening of a new distillery at the original site in 2017, bringing this legendary name back to life after decades of dormancy.

The People Behind

Today, the distillery operates under the guidance of Amir Peay, whose passion for historical preservation and authentic whiskey production has driven the revival. Master Distiller Aaron Schorsch brings technical expertise and creativity to the operation, ensuring each batch maintains the quality and character that made the original Pepper whiskeys famous.

The team has dedicated themselves to exhaustive historical research, even consulting with the Smithsonian Institution to recreate authentic recipes and production methods. Their commitment extends beyond making whiskey to preserving an important piece of American cultural heritage.

The Craft and Production

From Raw Materials to Finished Product

Production at James E. Pepper begins with carefully selected grains, primarily corn, rye, and malted barley, following the original mash bills developed in the 1800s. The distillery employs traditional open fermentation in wooden containers, allowing wild yeasts to contribute to the complex flavor profile.

Distillation takes place in a 750-gallon copper pot still, custom-designed to replicate historical distilling practices. This approach preserves the robust character and deep flavors that made Pepper whiskey renowned during America’s golden age of bourbon production.

Aging and Maturation

The newly-made spirit is aged in new charred American oak barrels, primarily stored in the Kentucky climate that accelerates interaction between wood and whiskey. The natural temperature fluctuations force the whiskey deep into the wood during summer and draw it out again during winter, creating rich flavor extraction.

Many of their releases feature interesting finishing techniques in specialized casks, including sherry, cognac, and other wine barrels. This combination of traditional bourbon aging with innovative finishing creates a distinctive profile that honors history while appealing to contemporary palates.

Selected Products from James E. Pepper

1776 Straight Bourbon – An Introduction to the House Style

This flagship bourbon offers an excellent entry point to understand the distillery’s character. With notes of caramel, vanilla, dried fruits, and a subtle spice backbone, it delivers a satisfying, full-bodied experience that showcases the classic Pepper style with a 100-proof intensity that honors the original “Old 1776” formula.

1776 Straight Rye – A Connoisseur’s Experience

This bold 100-proof rye whiskey represents the spicier side of the James E. Pepper portfolio. Expect an initial burst of peppery rye spice, followed by layers of dried fruit, cinnamon, clove, and a distinctive herbal quality. The high rye content (believed to be around 95%) creates a complex, robust character that particularly appeals to rye whiskey enthusiasts seeking authentic expressions.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and Tastings

James E. Pepper offers immersive tours of their historic distillery in Lexington, where visitors can witness the entire production process in a beautifully restored industrial setting. The experience includes a journey through the brand’s remarkable history, an up-close look at traditional production methods, and a guided tasting of their core expressions and special releases.

The distillery museum features original artifacts and documents that tell the story of this legendary American whiskey pioneer. From vintage bottles to historic advertisements and personal items belonging to James E. Pepper himself, the collection provides fascinating insights into early American distilling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is James E. Pepper?

James E. Pepper is a historic American whiskey distillery originally founded in 1780, making it one of the oldest whiskey brands in the United States. After closing in 1958, the brand was revived and the distillery rebuilt in 2017, focusing on authentic production of bourbon and rye whiskeys using historically accurate recipes and methods.

Where is James E. Pepper located?

The James E. Pepper Distillery is located in the Distillery District of Lexington, Kentucky, operating from the site of the original distillery that was established in the late 19th century. This location in the heart of bourbon country provides both the perfect climate for aging whiskey and connects the operation to its historical roots.

What characterizes James E. Pepper?

James E. Pepper is known for its commitment to historical authenticity, using original mash bills from the 1800s and traditional production methods including open fermentation and pot still distillation. Their whiskeys typically feature robust flavor profiles with distinctive spice notes and a rich mouthfeel, bottled at higher proofs (often 100 proof) to preserve the character that made them famous in the bourbon’s golden age.

Where can I buy whiskey from James E. Pepper?

You can find select bottles from James E. Pepper at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best expressions from their portfolio, including their core 1776 range as well as limited edition and special finishes, ensuring you have access to both their classic styles and innovative releases.