Lexington, KY – October 25, 2023

The historic James E. Pepper Distillery (DSP-KY-5), located in Lexington, Kentucky, is pleased to announce the nationwide release of a new whiskey:  a 5-Year-Old Barrel Proof Bourbon presented in a recreated vintage Decanter, originally bottled at the distillery in the 1940s.  The distinctive and elegant bottle design accentuates the whiskey’s rich ruby hue, achieved through the use of fine cooperage and a low barrel entry proof.

Distilled & bottled in Lexington, the new core release from the brand showcases the oldest stocks of whiskies and the unique distilling and blending program at the distillery.  The distillery produces historic bourbon and rye recipes, along with blending component whiskies that highlight historic flavor grains used at the distillery.  Surprisingly drinkable, with a balanced and complex flavor profile, tasting notes include toasted oak, walnuts, marzipan, dried dark fruits, citrus peel, creamy vanilla and nutmeg.

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.  The suggested retail price is $65.

Each bottling contains unique batch numbers, and the innovative distilling and blending program will pave the way for future releases with creative variations, creating a distinct offering in the world of whiskey.

James E. Pepper Barrel Proof Decanter Bourbon will be available in AR, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, ND, OH, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, WA and WI.

For additional information on this story, contact:  info@jamesepepper.com.

About the James E. Pepper Distillery
The historic James E. Pepper Distillery is a family-owned American company and distillery based in Lexington, Kentucky.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the distillery began production in 1880 when the famed distiller Colonel James E. Pepper built and operated the distillery until his death in 1906.  As a strong advocate for the whiskey industry, Colonel Pepper played a pivotal role in the passage of the Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897, ensuring consumers of the quality of the whiskey in the bottle.  The Bottled-In-Bond tax stamp seal found across the cork of bottles was derived from the strip label invented by Pepper to seal his bottles against tampering.  He was the first distiller in Kentucky to bottle his whiskey at the distillery, and his trademark “signature strip label” was a guarantee of the quality within the bottle.  The distillery ceased operations in 1967, remaining shuttered and abandoned for over 50 years.  Distilling resumed on site in 2017 following a decade of historical research and the collection of historic materials.  Early whiskey releases from the distillery have garnered impressive awards and accolades on the national stage.

For more information, visit:  www.JamesEPepper.com