James E Pepper "Decanter" Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey
Product details
| Management number | 253706382 | Release Date | 2026/10/24 | List Price | CA$26.00 | Model Number | 253706382 | ||
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A revived classic—poured from a beautifully weighted crystal decanter modeled after the brand’s 1945 design, this barrel-proof bourbon honors its Kentucky roots with flair. It's a nod to James E. Pepper’s historic distilling legacy in Lexington.
🥃 Mash & Maturation
Crafted from a blend of corn, rye, malted barley, and malted rye, the mash is aged in new, air-seasoned Kentucky oak barrels (18–24 months). The final blend averages 5 ½ years in wood, bottled uncut and unfiltered at cask strength for purity and punch.
👃 Nose
Toasted oak and walnuts lead the aromatics, accompanied by hints of syrup, creamy marzipan, and a whisper of anise—warm, inviting, and layered.
👄 Palate & Texture
Silky yet robust, featuring oak and dried dark fruit, rich highlights of brown sugar, apricot, white grape, cinnamon, nutmeg, and oaky spice. The mouthfeel is thick and mouth-coating—a true barrel-proof experience.
🔚 Finish
Medium to long, finishing with creamy vanilla, citrus peel, clove, nutmeg, and a touch of leather, tobacco, and earthy oak. Heat rises gracefully without overpowering the flavor.
🌟 Accolades & Reception
– Named “One of the Best Bourbons of 2023” by Fred Minnick (94 pts), praised for hazelnut and toffee elegance.
– Critics highlight its balanced bright fruit and spice, with robust oak presence—despite occasional notes of brisk heat.
🥂 Enjoyment Tips
Enjoy neat or with a drop of water to mellow—best served in a glencairn or lowball for aromatic depth. Delicious with dark chocolate, nutty desserts, or even with a cigar thanks to those tobacco and leather tones.
✅ Final Take
A gorgeous bottle packed with bold Kentucky character. Bright, fruity, and warmly spiced, the “Decanter” is both a display piece and a flavorful barrel-proof bourbon that punches well above its weight. Perfect for sipping slow and appreciating heritage.
"The Decanter bottle is a recreation of a historic bottle produced at our distillery in 1945. It was designed to highlight the rich color of the whiskies we produce due to our lower barrel entry proof and use of the finest cooperage.
Unique blends of our oldest stocks & distinct mash bills, consisting of Corn, Rye, Malted Barley & Malted Rye; Aged in new toasted & charred barrels made from Kentucky Oak, air seasoned a minimum of 18-24 months; Water source from the historic distillery well. Distilled & bottled at the historic James E. Pepper Distillery (DSP-KY-5) in Lexington, Kentucky. Average age of whiskies is 5.5 years; bottled straight from the barrel, uncut & unfiltered."
Tasting Notes
Nose: Toasted oak, walnuts, syrup, marzipan, anise
Front-palate: Oak and dried dark fruits
Mid-palate: Front end carries through with some extra notes of toasted oak and citrus peel
Finish: Medium-long with strong notes of creamy vanilla and clove/nutmeg
Bestseller ranking
SPIRITS
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