James E. Pepper – 1776 Straight Rye Whiskey (75cl, 50%)

James E. Pepper 1776 is a straight rye whiskey bottled at 50% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The mash bill is 95% rye and 5% malted barley, and the whiskey is aged for three to four years in new charred American oak and bottled unfiltered. It is distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then cut to proof and hand-bottled at the James E. Pepper Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky. The Pepper family brand dates to 1780, and the 1776 label was revived in 2012. The nose offers rye spice, baked apple, clove, vanilla and a little mint. Peppery spice gives way to honey, vanilla and dark chocolate on the palate, with dried apricot and brown sugar. The finish is long and warming, with cinnamon, oak and lingering pepper.