Ctrexman
James E. Pepper 1776 Barrel Proof Straight Rye
Rye — Indiana (Bottled in Kentucky), USA
Reviewed
November 1, 2019 (edited August 3, 2022)
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
38.0
USD
per
Bottle
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I have to admit I didn’t enjoy this at all. I described it in my review as “all spice and no play makes James a dull dram”. To be fair, I tasted it on a young palate earlier in my whiskey journey. It would probably make a killer rye-based old fashioned or add more value in a cocktail. Then again, it also could have been a “bad bottle”. I do have the sherry finished bottle that I’m hoping can redeem JP brand or forever take them off my shelf!
Bottle kill: While my overall interest in rye has faded a bit this stuff is legit. Its rich bold flavors have maintained all the way through the bottle. I have not seen it again since I purchased. I have seen a sherry finished JP that looks interesting
Great review brother, this one is indeed a strange animal. I'm still trying to get a handle on it.
This is the best iteration of the mgp 95 imo
I'm still looking for this!