James E. Pepper 1776 Straight Rye (100 Proof)

A new one at my local store. Bought it purely out of curiosity. Light straw color in the glass. The nose was a puzzler for me. There was a note there that I kept trying over and over to place. It was almost a wood polish or shellac note. Then...light bulb! Dill Pickle! I've finally found the pickle note that other reviewers keep mentioning in their rye reviews. LDI was the supposed source of most of those, but this one lists Corsair as the producer? Neat it has a very light sweetness, more dill and a short sharp, hot and peppery finish. Made a very good Old-Fashioned. At $35 I probably won't buy again (too many other good ryes now in the mid 20's) but might pick it up again if I see it on sale.

Fruty smell and velbalances spicy taste.

My first rye whiskey. Surprisingly smooth finish for a 100 proof. Marvellous overall!