James E. Pepper 1776 Rye Whiskey Review
Updated May 20, 2018
By S.D. Peters
Average Rating: B+
(Credit: Richard Thomas)
There’s not much that needs to be said about the Pepper brand nor it’s 3rd Generation heir, Col. James E. Pepper, that The Whiskey Reviewer hasn’t already said – or that can’t be found nicely summarized on the back of this Rye’s bottle. The Pepper brand is currently owned by the Georgetown Trading Company, a company whose history, like that of the iconic brand it’s re-launched with the 1776 Straight Rye and a complementary bourbon, dates back to the American Revolution, and it’s nice to see it back on the shelves.
The Rye
Back in the day, Col. J.E.P. nicknamed his whiskey “Old 1776,” an homage to the Revolutionary-era recipes it followed. James E. Pepper 1776 Straight Rye Whiskey rejuvenates the Colonel’s “Pure Rye” recipe – the precise grain bills for which are laid-out in an historic letter, written by the Colonel and recently discovered during the extensive research that went into the Pepper brand’s relaunch. The Rye has a 95% rye mash bill, is bottled at 100 Proof in dark, vintage-style cork-stopped bottles, and is not chill-filtered.
Its deep copper hue exudes leather, oak and caramel, is heady with spice, and sweetened with a splash of clover honey. Pepper (appropriately) and clove command a flavor that’s chased by honey-sweetened blackberries. The finish is laced with peppered chocolate shavings long, and quite smooth for 50% ABV. Light citrus lingers with vanilla and mixed berry long after the initial finish fades.
Addendum by Richard Thomas
It’s been five years since we last had a look at this, one of the best examples of an MGP 95% stock rye. The nose is full bodied pumpernickel with notes of dill and wood, with the flavor turning to a blend of clove, pepper and allspice, sweetened with a dab of honey. The touch of wood adds some dryness.
I’ve long felt the choice to bottle this at 100 proof gave the MGP 95% stock rye something that other versions were lacking. What is more, the price point is sweet: five years after our initial look and you still rarely need to pay more than $30 for a bottle. Those two factors make this one of the very best bang for your buck rye whiskeys around, and certainly the best of the MGP-derived crop.
The Price
Distilled in Indiana and bottled in Bardstown, KY, James E. Pepper 100 Proof 1776 Straight Rye whiskey has a big name behind it, and should be relatively easy to find at your local whiskey purveyor. Expect to pay between $25-$30 per bottle – a good price for a Rye whiskey of this caliber.
