One Favorite Single Barrel We Hope You Didn't Miss!

We release a lot of bottles on Seelbach's, and at times I know things get missed. But I saw one of my favorite barrels still had inventory, and we know you'll enjoy this bottle. It's based on your previous Seelbach's purchases. A craft-distilled, 6-year bourbon that tastes like an 8-year Russell's Reserve bottle. What's not to love!

James E. Pepper is a new name to a lot of people, but they have been making a splash in the whiskey world for quite some time. The Barrel Proof Decanter is now #27 on Fred Minnick's Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2023. It has been attracting a lot of attention lately. Years ago, their Old Pepper line offered sought-after, well-aged bourbons. These were popular with brands like O.K.I., Belle Meade, Blaum Brothers, Boone County, and Smooth Ambler. James E. Pepper is one of the most enjoyable brands. This applies to both their sourced products and their own distillate. What we have been most surprised by is the flavor for the cost in their small batch and single barrel bourbons & ryes alike. Compared to a lot of other products on the market, these are an incredible value.

This bourbon has one of "those profiles" that make for a fun curveball to folks in a blind tasting. It has that cherry coke flavor I love. Plus, it shows hints from several heritage distillers.

Old Pepper Single Barrel Bourbon #19-198 106.4 Proof 
 
The nose is nuanced with wafts of smoke and leather. It reminds me a bit of Beam with its grassy, earthy, melted milk chocolate before moving into toffee and thick caramel, blanketing with raisin and a touch of apricot. 
 
The palate is spiced and viscous. Vibrant dark fruits present - heavy cherry, funky berry compote, like Dr. Pepper or cherry coke slushy on steroids lingering with green apple and tons of oak. 

The finish is chewy and plump, not quite medicinal but sort of leans that way with a fruity, leather, oaky, citrus amalgamation that reminds me most closely of Wild Turkey.