Old Pepper Finest Kentucky Oak Bourbon Whiskey
Old Pepper Finest Kentucky Oak Bourbon Whiskey is a straight bourbon from the James E. Pepper Distillery (DSP-KY-5) in Lexington, Kentucky, bottled straight from the barrel — uncut and unfiltered — and given a secondary finish in heavily toasted new barrels built from the finest Kentucky oak, whose staves are air-seasoned 18–24 months against the typical six. Proof varies by release (barrel-proof bottling), so check the bottle label; retailer examples range 50.8% to 55% ABV. 750mL. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: barrel proof — VARIES BY BATCH (read the bottle label; examples 50.8%–55% ABV)
- Size: 750mL
- Distillery: James E. Pepper Distillery, DSP-KY-5, Lexington, Kentucky
- Production: straight bourbon; blends of distinct mash bills (corn, rye, malted barley, malted rye); secondary finish in heavily toasted new Kentucky-oak barrels; uncut, unfiltered; historic limestone-well water
- Heritage: Col. James E. Pepper's "signature strip stamp" was incorporated into the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897
Kentucky Oak, Seasoned Like Nobody Else
The Finest Kentucky Oak line is a study in wood: barrels built from select Kentucky oak staves air-seasoned 18–24 months — three to four times the industry standard — then heavily toasted and charred for the finish. Bottled straight from the barrel with nothing added and nothing taken away, it is a limited-release line extension of the Old Pepper revival, drawing on mash bills of corn, rye, malted barley, and malted rye distilled in the historic DSP-KY-5 distillery. Compare with more of our bourbon whiskey bottlings and the full Old Pepper range.
Tasting Notes
Toasted oak, walnuts, caramel, vanilla, and dark chocolate on the nose. The palate layers oak with dried dark fruits, marzipan, creamy vanilla, and ripe fruits, closing medium-long with creamy vanilla, citrus peel, nutmeg, and robust oak.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a few drops of water to open the oak — cask-strength intensity rewards patience. A single large cube works too, though purists will keep this one unadulterated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proof of Old Pepper Finest Kentucky Oak Bourbon?
It is bottled at barrel proof, which varies by release — check the physical bottle label. Retailer examples range 50.8% to 55% ABV.
What makes the "Finest Kentucky Oak" finish different?
The finishing barrels are built from Kentucky oak staves air-seasoned 18–24 months (vs. the typical 6), then heavily toasted and charred.
Is it filtered or diluted?
Neither — bottled straight from the barrel, uncut and unfiltered.
Where is Old Pepper distilled?
The James E. Pepper Distillery, DSP-KY-5, in Lexington, Kentucky — heritage dating to Col. James E. Pepper and the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act.
For a cask-strength pour that leads with oak, get Old Pepper Finest Kentucky Oak Bourbon delivered from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.