James E. Pepper 1776 Straight Rye Barrel Proof

Thick. Sweet on the front but didn’t linger. Hint of cocoa and smoke

Intense barrel sugars on the nose. Beautiful dark amber color. Fatty mouthfeel followed immediately by fiery proof. No hiding the barrel strength. Balanced rye character on par with Woodford Rye.

Tastes a little like barrel proof Bullet Rye, which is to be expected from MGP sourced rye. Lots of rye spice, spearmint and orange. It punches you in the mouth the way a BP rye should. Solid but a bit hot neat. Beautiful on a rock.

Got the last bottle at specs for $38. Most rye drinkers are familiar with MGP 95/5 mashbill as its the source for many popular brands. What sets this one apart is the 114.6 proof , natural color and non-chill filtered creating a robust oily whiskey. Poured neat, nose is menthol, clove, ginger, tea leaves, tobacco and a hint of maple. Its a very rich herbal experience. What im not getting is ethanol or the trademark dill note, maybe it will come in time. Palate is punch in the face of aggressive rye spice, strong peppery heat, more menthol and clove balanced with Terry's chocolate orange and honey sweetness. Mouthfeel is thick and clingy coating with flavor that rushes in like the Ride of The Valkyries and lingers. Finish is all day with chocolate orange, rye and clove spice leading to barrel oak, heavy char and fading menthol. This is legit rye. You know how the cask strength bourbons are richer and full of flavor well I guess same holds true for rye. Make no mistake , smooth this is not. We're talking grown mans rye not for beginners.This is a powerhouse whiskey that I highly recommend to experienced drinkers if you can find it..........88/100..........completely different profile than Pikesville but almost as enjoyable as a pure high %rye...........update: I pick up the dill after glass rests for a while but its shrouded in all the other notes