James E. Pepper 1776 Straight Bourbon (100 Proof) Beige Label

Very hot, can definitely taste cinnamon

Quick hit: somebody brought this over for Christmas dinner. Of all the different MGP products that have flooded the market, this one is decidedly middling. I appreciate the 50% ABV and the unfiltered nature, but despite that, this one still falls flat. Nice vanilla notes, but the oak is muted. Reminds me a bit too much of poor quality Canadian whiskey. You can do a lot better if you’re in the mood for MGP bourbon. If you can find the Smokewagon Uncut Unfiltered or an older Smooth Ambler, go for that. If not, grab anything from Belle Meade.

I probably would not buy it again with so many others in line ahead to try. It does have a little bit more of a bite then I like, but it did make for a very delicious old-fashioned.

Earlier this year I bought a bottle of James E Pepper 1776 Straight Rye and after it was opened for a bit I really enjoyed the whiskey inside. I have read mixed reviews about this bourbon and when I saw it on sale for $25 I gave it a try. Before I begin with the review I have to say that I did a pour when first opened the bottle and I was not impressed so as with the rye bottle I let it rest for a few weeks and once again the oxygen did its job. In the Glencairn, it has a dark tawny to light amber color and it coats the glass nicely. On the nose, I get woody notes right off the bat and then some vanilla and maybe honey. There is a sweet scent that I am not sure of. The body is full and hot. The sweetness is there with the vanilla and light caramel the wood is also there and maybe too much. The finish is somewhat bitter or astringent with some char and sweetness rounding it out. Overall, I was disappointed in this bourbon. It may be too young or the mash bill is not to my liking but this is not something I will repurchase anytime soon. To be a straight bourbon whiskey it has to be at least 2 years old I think they should age it a good bit longer and maybe it will smooth out the rough edges. This does make a decent Old Fashioned and a good Manhattan, but you must use good sweet vermouth with it or the bitterness of the bourbon makes this drink too bitter. I wish I had better things to say about this alas I do not its big bold flavor is wasted on a bitter finish.

Brown sugar, coffee cake, peppery finish