James E. Pepper Decanter Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey
57.8% ABV (115.6 proof) | Barrel proof, uncut & unfiltered | 750mL | 100% rye mash — James E. Pepper Decanter Barrel Proof Rye is a Kentucky straight rye presented in a recreation of the historic decanter the distillery produced in the mid-1940s — designed to show off the whiskey's rich color. Distilled and hand-bottled at the revived James E. Pepper Distillery (DSP-KY-5) in Lexington, Kentucky, from a 100% rye mash bill: a blend of barrels aged 6.3–8 years, bottled straight from the barrel — uncut, unfiltered, at full proof. Spring 2026 limited release. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
The revival story runs deep: Col. James E. Pepper's distilling legacy dates to 1880 in Lexington; Amir Peay (Georgetown Trading Co.) rebuilt the distillery with Vendome equipment like the original 1934 setup and drilled a 200-foot well into the original limestone aquifer — the first new Pepper barrel was filled in 2018. House style means lower barrel entry proof, Kentucky oak barrels air-seasoned 18–24 months, and water from the historic distillery well. Tasting: cracked black pepper, toasted oak, fresh mint, deep caramel, and dark orchard fruit on the nose; a viscous, full-bodied palate of spicy rye grain, dark chocolate, and warm baking spices; an exceptionally long finish of sweet leather and seasoned oak. A flagship rye whiskey and a back-bar centerpiece.
Tasting notes
Nose: cracked black pepper, toasted oak, fresh mint, deep caramel, dark orchard fruit. Palate: spicy rye grain, dark chocolate, warm baking spices. Finish: exceptionally long — sweet leather, robust spice, lingering oak. (Per retailer/reviewer notes.)
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 57.8% ABV (115.6 proof) — barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered
- 100% rye mash bill; blend of barrels aged 6.3–8 years
- 1945-throwback decanter — a recreation of the historic bottle
- Distilled and hand-bottled at James E. Pepper Distillery, Lexington, KY
- Spring 2026 limited release
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat in a Glencairn or with one large cube; a few drops of water open it up. Built for an Old Fashioned — the house drink.
Frequently asked questions
What does "barrel proof" mean here?
Uncut and unfiltered — bottled straight from the barrel with no water added.
How old is it?
A blend of barrels aged 6.3–8 years; no single age statement.
Did James E. Pepper invent the Old Fashioned?
According to legend, a Pendennis Club bartender created it in Pepper's honor and he introduced it at the Waldorf-Astoria — but historians note old-fashioned-style cocktails predate the club. The story is tradition, not settled fact.
What's the story behind the decanter?
It recreates the mid-1940s bottle produced at the original distillery, made to show off the whiskey's color.