Old Pepper Bourbon (11 Year)
Overall Score: 6.75/10
Overall Value: 1.75/5
Distillery: James Pepper Distilling Co
Classification: Straight Whiskey
Company: James Pepper Distilling Co
Release Date: 2022
Proof: 111.2
Age: 11 Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Amber
MSRP: $170 (2025)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The James E. Pepper Distillery's Old Pepper 11-Year Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the most uniquely flavored whiskeys on the market—and it's definitely a conversation starter. While the $170 MSRP is steep, this bottle is an experience you won't soon forget.
The nose delivers an unexpected blend of sweet black licorice, floral notes, and a bold fruitiness reminiscent of grape jelly or even a sour green grape. There’s also a candy-like quality here—think Pixy Stix, bubble gum tape, and Red Vines. Additional sniffs bring in some white wine brightness and rich date-like sweetness.
The mouthfeel of the palate is buttery and mellow but not without surprises. This whiskey doesn’t sit still—it shifts from bold fruit and artificial grape flavors to red licorice, dry cedar, and even a hint of green apple tartness. There’s a fun candy shop vibe, with a touch of bitterness weaving through, like black coffee. Some sips bring more caramel and oak, while others feel more sour or fruity. It's a rollercoaster of flavors, and no two sips seem quite the same.
The finish ranges from sweet and grapey to dry and woody, with occasional notes of caramel and red wine. It lingers in a strange but intriguing way, leaving behind a trace of bitterness and a little tannic grip. It’s not always harmonious—but it is memorable.
This bottle is unlike anything else out there. If you’re looking for a classic, balanced pour, this might not be it. But if you're a rye whiskey lover or someone who appreciates bold, off-kilter flavor journeys, this bottle has a lot to explore. For the price—especially at full MSRP—it’s a bit of a gamble. But if you find it on sale and are curious about trying something outside the bourbon mainstream, it just might be worth the adventure.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 2/5
THE NOSE:
I get a sweet black licorice almost floral profile that very much took me by surprise.
It has a fruitiness to it as well, similar to grape jelly. It also reminds me of the bubble gum that came in the tape roll.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is warm, mellow, and buttery. The flavor tastes like a pixie stick, fruity and artificially sweet.
Particularly some sort of sweet grape flavor. I also get a bit of dry cedar towards the end.
THE FINISH:
The finish is somehow both sweet and dry, only the fruitiness has mostly disappeared.
The very tail end of it also has some black coffee flavors or general bitterness.
BUY OR PASS?
This was just strange. There were an equal amount of things I enjoyed about this pour as there were things that I didn’t. Part of it reminded me of some port finished rye whiskeys that I really like while other parts just seemed sporadic and off kilter.
I did enjoy this pour the more I had of it. I think this will appeal more to the Rye drinkers.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 1.5/5
THE NOSE:
Bright and fruity, almost like a white wine.
There’s a sour green grape note that stands out, and after tasting, I pick up something that reminds me of Red Vines candy—chalkiness included.
There’s also a strong Medjool date note that adds some depth.
THE TASTE:
This pour takes you on a ride. It starts with a strong red licorice flavor, then shifts to grape bubble gum.
The mouthfeel is heavy, but it drinks surprisingly light. The flavors don’t settle—they jerk you around from sweet to bitter to caramel.
It’s one of the most unique pours I’ve ever had, but definitely a strange journey.
THE FINISH:
After all that palate whiplash, the finish lands in two different places—sometimes it’s sweet red wine, other times it’s caramel.
It’s weird, but enjoyable.
BUY OR PASS?
This is a perfect example of the expression “it’s definitely unique.” I appreciate a pour that offers something different, but at $170 MSRP, this particular journey isn’t for me.
It’s like skydiving—some people will love it, but most probably won’t.
