I looked up the history for James E Pepper in Lexington Kentucky. The distillery was abandoned in 1958, when there was a flu pandemic and recession. Why you see a lot more 1957 Chevy antiques now instead of 1958s. The distillery was remodelled the last few years, half a pizza restaurant I have ate at, and half a new distillery. They started with 1776 sourced from MGP- most do not like it. The decanter is the first distilled by them, and a lot of people like it for the price.
I haven't had the Pepper, but I have had the Bardstown and the Watershed. I'm with you on the Bardstown. Very nice. The Watershed is not my jam. Here's what I wrote up: Watershed Barrel Strength Fall Finishing Series Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Apple Brandy Barrels (129.2 proof, Batch №005, 6 year age statement) - A proofy nose includes oak, sweetness, a solvent note, and some fruit - but I can’t swear that it’s apple. Drinks very hot. After the burn, I get more apple peel than apple fruit, oak, not much sweetness, pepper/spice, and minerality. Mouth feel is viscous. The first taste was almost effervescent. The alcohol burn carries right through to, and dominates, the lengthy finish. This drinks its proof and beyond. Drinking straight, I found this to be unpleasantly hot. I tried it on ice with a splash of water and got pretty much the same notes, minus the burn. There is a flavor both straight and on ice that I get and that I want to attribute to the apple brandy barrels, but it comes across as more of a grassy/vegetal note than apple brandy.
I just recently picked up a bottle of the Bardstown Wheated Bourbon. It is fantastic and very affordable. I passed on the Pepper when I had a chance to get it. I might be regretting that. I'll be on the hunt for the Watershed.
Have to disagree on the Watershed Fall Finish bottle. Watershed ran a lottery for the right to buy this limited release. Said there were more entries than bottles. Wife and I went to the distillery after winning and were able to try it before buying it. Which was really cool of them. Unfortunately It did not hit for us. Not. At. All. Guess its just very not on our profile but the solvent note mentioned in other replies was prominent in our sample pour! That note was not pleasant. Needless to say, I would have been fairly unhappy if I had bought it and then tried it at home.
I like the Bardstown , even though mine is not opened. I have 2 Watershed bottles and they are totally different. We'll be stopping there in a few weeks. My Ace of Hearts OHLQ is wild. I like the decanter too!!
If you can find Conviction cask strength single barrel by Southern Grace Distillery, it’s amazing l!! I bought it this past Friday and I can’t stop drinking it.
Got the Origin Series wheated due to hype and many positive reviews but after first pour, not that impressed. Seems young and grain forward like I get off of craft. Hoping maybe it was just that first crack. 🤷♂️
Yes Sir, their 11 year single malt is the best ever, but only 3,000 bottles were produced. I would put that against anything on the higher end scotches or Bourbons!
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I looked up the history for James E Pepper in Lexington Kentucky. The distillery was abandoned in 1958, when there was a flu pandemic and recession. Why you see a lot more 1957 Chevy antiques now instead of 1958s. The distillery was remodelled the last few years, half a pizza restaurant I have ate at, and half a new distillery. They started with 1776 sourced from MGP- most do not like it. The decanter is the first distilled by them, and a lot of people like it for the price.
I haven't had the Pepper, but I have had the Bardstown and the Watershed. I'm with you on the Bardstown. Very nice. The Watershed is not my jam. Here's what I wrote up: Watershed Barrel Strength Fall Finishing Series Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Apple Brandy Barrels (129.2 proof, Batch №005, 6 year age statement) - A proofy nose includes oak, sweetness, a solvent note, and some fruit - but I can’t swear that it’s apple. Drinks very hot. After the burn, I get more apple peel than apple fruit, oak, not much sweetness, pepper/spice, and minerality. Mouth feel is viscous. The first taste was almost effervescent. The alcohol burn carries right through to, and dominates, the lengthy finish. This drinks its proof and beyond. Drinking straight, I found this to be unpleasantly hot. I tried it on ice with a splash of water and got pretty much the same notes, minus the burn. There is a flavor both straight and on ice that I get and that I want to attribute to the apple brandy barrels, but it comes across as more of a grassy/vegetal note than apple brandy.
Where did you write this up if you don't mind my asking? Would love to read more reviews and recommendations if possible. Cheers!
@@ArtOfCappery I post in the Michigan Bourbon Club on FB.
I have batch 002 of that Apple Brandy finish from watershed. Truly amazing! Cheers Judge!
Indeed… cheers Troy
Interesting list for sure. I had a Nulu Apple Brandy and I thought it was pretty good, so I am interested in that Watershed for sure. Cheers Judge
If you like nulu’s you’ll love Watersheds!!!
Judge you are spot on with the Bardstown and Pepper....my current go to bottles for sure. Both are great, available and at the right price!
I just recently picked up a bottle of the Bardstown Wheated Bourbon. It is fantastic and very affordable. I passed on the Pepper when I had a chance to get it. I might be regretting that. I'll be on the hunt for the Watershed.
💯 Agree. I want those whiskey glasses. Where can I find them!
well daam judge Im on the hunt,, i have only had the Bardstown i agree that one is great .. thanks for the tip on the other 2.
No problem 👍
I totally agree about the Bardstown & Pepper. Unfortunately, the Watershed isn't available
That bardstown origin is great ! And I hear nothing but good things about watershed !
Ohio is coming thru!!!
Have to disagree on the Watershed Fall Finish bottle. Watershed ran a lottery for the right to buy this limited release. Said there were more entries than bottles. Wife and I went to the distillery after winning and were able to try it before buying it. Which was really cool of them. Unfortunately It did not hit for us. Not. At. All. Guess its just very not on our profile but the solvent note mentioned in other replies was prominent in our sample pour! That note was not pleasant. Needless to say, I would have been fairly unhappy if I had bought it and then tried it at home.
Different palates across the board. Fair point though
Hey Judge, Bardstown White-label wheater vs. Black-label BiB wheater. Which are you picking?
Tan label wheated is the best from BBC
I love the James E Pepper. Great pour, great video.
I like the Bardstown , even though mine is not opened. I have 2 Watershed bottles and they are totally different. We'll be stopping there in a few weeks. My Ace of Hearts OHLQ is wild. I like the decanter too!!
Excellent…. Safe travels
If you can find Conviction cask strength single barrel by Southern Grace Distillery, it’s amazing l!! I bought it this past Friday and I can’t stop drinking it.
Had that before.. solid whiskey
Im in Atl and have my Bees Knees along with other offerings. Need another backup before cracking it open.
Solid honey finish for sure
Have only had the James Pepper, solid bourbon.
what batch is your James E. Pepper bottle?
I’ll have to check…
Watershed is available at Seelbachs, any recommendations other than the apple brandy finished?
Not the Apple Brandy Finished!
Lmao
Bottled in bond or any single barrel cs
been lookin for that James E Pepper. thanks for the video!
You bet
I remember telling you that the Pepper was just “meh”…. It’s actually grown on me quite a bit. I even got a 2nd bottle!
I'm still at "meh" 😁
Its grown on me alot!!!
Try Bardstown BIB origin series it is wheated
My budget can’t afford your enthusiasm over all these bottles - lol
😂🥃
I told you Juðge that Watershed is legit!
Yes sir!!! You were right lol
Liked your video hope it helps!
Hey Zach…cheers
Got the Origin Series wheated due to hype and many positive reviews but after first pour, not that impressed. Seems young and grain forward like I get off of craft. Hoping maybe it was just that first crack. 🤷♂️
Maybe a bad batch or needs to open up
Ohio stand up 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Yes sir!!!
You haven’t had bourbon until you try Town Branch Overproof Bourbon. It’s way DELICIOUS. Wait did I say DELICIOUS!
Really???? Their other stuff is mehhh..
Yes Sir, their 11 year single malt is the best ever, but only 3,000 bottles were produced. I would put that against anything on the higher end scotches or Bourbons!