James E Pepper Barrel Proof Rye (aka James E Pepper 1776 Barrel Proof Rye) is the cask strength version of the James E Pepper Rye. I went over the details of their setup in the standard rye but the short of it is that this is MGP rye whiskey sourced, and disclosed, by the brand till they get their own stuff in the market. Pretty simple right? On to the James E Pepper Barrel Proof Rye review!
James E Pepper Barrel Proof Rye Review
In James E. Pepper’s Words: James E Pepper Barrel Proof Rye
“117.2 Proof – Not Chill-Filtered – Over 90% Rye in the Mash Bill
Full Flavored; deep notes of mint, spice, cloves, eucalyptus, chocolate, & honey
The same exact whiskey as in the standard award winning 100 proof version, only straight from the barrel”
James E Pepper Barrel Proof Rye price, ABV, age and other details
Region: Indiana, USA
Distiller: MGP
Bottler: James E. Pepper
Mashbill: 90%+ Rye + Malted Barley and maybe some corn (though it’s likely the standard 95/5 MGP rye mash)
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 2+ years
ABV: 58.6%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: $37
James E Pepper Barrel Proof Rye Tasting Notes
EYE
Light copper
NOSE
Dill, toffee, cinnamon, butter graham, sugar, grain, pine sol and a light bit of oak.
PALATE
Dill, cinnamon, toffee, dark sweets, citrus oil (orange and lemon), pepper and a bit of fruit and oak.
FINISH
Long -> Spice, citrus oil, dark sweets and herbal.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Good sense of balance, full round body and an oily heavy feel.
James E Pepper Barrel Proof Rye Review – OVERALL
James E Pepper Barrel Proof Rye is a big oily rye that delivers a huge heady punch of spice and herbal dill. Water brings out some extra fruit and even more cinnamon on the aroma; on the palate it brings out more fruit and cinnamon as well as a bit of honey.
A great example of the power of solid MGP rye whiskey which always works amazingly well in cocktails if you’re not feeling like it neat. James E Pepper Barrel Proof Rye is punchy, powerful, versatile, tasty and cheap. What else do you need to know?
SCORE: 85/100 (B)
