Brian’s James Pepper 1776 Barrel Proof Review:
reviewed 09-September-2023
JAMES PEPPER 1776 BARREL PROOF BOURBON REVIEW:
James Pepper 1776 Barrel Proof (JP 1776 BP) offers an aroma of dry ethanol intensity which gives way to herbal and subtle fruity notes. The palate mimics what is found on the nose but with subdued sweetness while spice and wood abound. This whiskey shifts from buttery creaminess to grit rather quickly before the medium-long finish of barrel notes, herbal undertones, and warm spice dominate.
JAMES PEPPER 1776 BARREL PROOF VITAL STATS:
Category: Barrel Proof Bourbon
Region: Lexington, KY
Distillery: James E Pepper Distilling Co.
DSP #: KY-5
Mash Bill: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley
Barrel Char: unpublished
Barrel entry proof: unpublished
Age: nas
Filtration: Non-chill-filtered
ABV: 57% (114 Proof)
NABCA CSC #: 18988
Paid: $44.95
Unique bottle number identifiers:
Learn more at James E Pepper Distilling Co.
ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:
On Day 9 of the 2023 30 Bourbons in 30 Days Challenge, approximately four ounces from a newly opened bottle went into my Glencairn. After posting on social media and nosing the pour for the review, about 30 minutes had gone by before my first sip.
JAMES PEPPER 1776 BARREL PROOF NOSE:
The aroma of JP 1776 BP begins with dry, ethanol-rich intensity. As I nose, herbal notes reminiscent of green vegetables and roasted corn are accompanied by dusty grain and a faint minty freshness for a surprising twist. I sense hints of berry syrup, while currants, plums, and bitter citrus zest contribute a fruity depth. Then dark raisins and figs intermingle with warming spices of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and a touch of green pepper are accentuated by the character of rye. The aroma further deepens with nuances of burnt sugar, dark molasses, and a subtle walnut bitterness. Additional nosing picks up a distinct wood-forward and earthy profile of dry, heavy old oak, hazy char and musty and pungent potting soil.
JAMES PEPPER 1776 BARREL PROOF PALATE:
The flavors of JP 1776 BP awaken the mouth with a dry, ethanol burn and as I take the next sip, herbal notes mix with dusty grain. In the green vegetables, I detect a hint of overdry and stale currants and figs, tempered by a touch of bitter citrus zest which adds an interesting contrast. The spiciness unfolds with flavors of cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, along characteristic rye. Then, layers of burnt sugar, dark molasses, and subtle hazelnut do their best to counter the wood-forward and earthy profile. However, heavy, old oak, hazy char and pungent, musty potting soil put a mask on most other flavors.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
For me, JP 1776 BP is an unbalanced pour with wood and spice taking dominance over any fruit or sugary sweetness and its aromas and flavors (to me) have not been allowed to bloom. When held in my mouth, it reveals a buttery and creamy texture, but transforms into something rough and gritty upon swallowing. There is a solid inverted crown of clinging droplets creating a nice view. And after each sip, a full sheet of liquid breaks into evenly spaced, long legs, to drain the dregs swiftly back to the russet-colored pool.
JAMES PEPPER 1776 BARREL PROOF FINISH
The medium-long finish of James Pepper 1776 Barrel Proof begins dry and warm and lingers in the throat. The presence of barrel tannins asserts, and is accompanied by an herbal dusty grain aftertaste which lingers. I do sense a subtle array of subdued sweet flavors but bitter citrus and fig provide only a touch of complexity. Traditional cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and rye do add warmth and I detect an undertone of bittersweet dark chocolate with burnt sugar and dark molasses for depth. Hazelnut coffee creamer adds a nice soft butter nuance to the mix. However I struggle with the wood-forward character, as heavy old oak, barrel char and faint musty potting soil overpowers any sweetness which may remain. And when gone, the empty Glencairn smells of faint alcohol and dry old oak.
MY RATING: 80/100
Will I buy this whiskey again? No
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 80/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click James E Pepper.
WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
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