James E Pepper 15 year?

[sob0728]

Anyone had this? Any thoughts? I searched and saw some stuff on James E Pepper but could not tell if that was an age stated bourbon or NAS that was being discussed. Anyway, it is $60 for the 15 year. Just wondering if anyone has had it and has any notes on it.

[ThomasH]

I only saw this listed one place online. I did purchase a bottle of the rye last week and it is good!

Thomas

[smknjoe]

I called a store today looking for some PHC 12 and they were pushing this stuff hard saying that it was a limited edition like the Parkers. When I asked where it was distilled the guy said "Indiana." Nobody has had this yet? I'm more inclined to spend $60 on the better part of two bottles of ETL than this.

[angler82]

I bought a bottle a few months ago and thought it was wretched stuff. Thin, lots of burning. I thought it was a joke that it is supposedly 15 years old. I stayed away from Smooth Ambler because I believe it is the same LDI bourbon

[smknjoe]

Thanks for the input. You are only the second person to try this apparently (on SB.) This guy said he had a good bottle and his friend got a rotgut bottle. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?16742-James-E-Pepper

I will stear clear.

[c2walker]

Thanks for the input. You are only the second person to try this apparently (on SB.) This guy said he had a good bottle and his friend got a rotgut bottle. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?16742-James-E-Pepper

I will stear clear.

I have tried it and agree that it's not very good.

[MyOldKyDram]

Haven't had it, but I do have a 7 yr Smooth Ambler that I like quite a bit.

[squire]

Two ELTs trump one Pepper.

[dementedavenger]

I bought a bottle a few months ago and thought it was wretched stuff. Thin, lots of burning. I thought it was a joke that it is supposedly 15 years old. I stayed away from Smooth Ambler because I believe it is the same LDI bourbon

I had the Pepper rye in a bar and thought it was garbage. On the other hand, I've been very impressed by all of the year Smooth Ambler curated varietals. Those guys are picking good stuff.

[matthewdc]

I've started to see this stuff pop up at stores around DC over the past month or so. A couple stores have been pushing it pretty hard here as well. I had a chance to sample it at one of the stores I frequent and I too wasn't impressed. I just remember alcohol and heat, not much depth or flavor, and a short finish--kind of like one of those old school saloon whiskies.

given the taste and that it was only 80 proof (if I remember correctly), not worth the $50-$60 price tag. I may go back and try to sample the rye--it was definitely priced better than the 15 yo...

[wripvanwrinkle]

I tried this the other night. The nose was very nice but the taste was really weird in a way that I didn't like. I was lit at the time, so I can't offer anything more specific.

[Happyhour24x7]

Thanks for the input. You are only the second person to try this apparently (on SB.) This guy said he had a good bottle and his friend got a rotgut bottle. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?16742-James-E-Pepper

I will stear clear.

I am "this guy", and let's be clear- the bottles we had were the original release- not the 15 year old. Haven't tried it yet, and frankly not in a hurry to.

[Happyhour24x7]

I bought a bottle a few months ago and thought it was wretched stuff. Thin, lots of burning. I thought it was a joke that it is supposedly 15 years old. I stayed away from Smooth Ambler because I believe it is the same LDI bourbon

And don't let it scare you away from Sooth Ambler. They do a good job of barrel selection, and then often do their own marriage of multiple barrels. All tastes vary, but I think they do a good job. Big fan of the Very Old Scout 19 YO.

[smknjoe]

I am "this guy", and let's be clear- the bottles we had were the original release- not the 15 year old. Haven't tried it yet, and frankly not in a hurry to.

Hey you, thanks for the correction. I assumed it was the 15. I didn't realize there were different ones. And I'm in no hurry to drop $60 on it either.

[turtle]

Got a bottle a couple of weeks ago. Maybe it's from a different batch, but I thougt it was excellent. For what it's worth, took it to a local highly resepected bourbon bar to share with the staff, and they thought it was excellent. Found this review - http://www.drinkhacker.com/2013/06/03/review-james-e-pepper-1776-bourbon-rye-15-year-expressions/

[sob0728]

I also noticed this is now $100-$120 most places online. Pepper 15 is now more expensive than Pappy 15.

[squire]

There's always someone.

[Flyfish]

I also noticed this is now $100-$120 most places online. Pepper 15 is now more expensive than Pappy 15.

Perhaps it's a matter of reverse marketing psychology as in "It tastes expensive and it is."

[Josh]

But how does it compare to Old Bardstown?

[sob0728]

But how does it compare to Old Bardstown?

The REAL question is: How does the bottle compare to Old Bardstown's bottle?

Edited June 18, 2013 by sob0728

[squire]

Damn right, the bottle's the main thing.

[Flyfish]

Damn right, the bottle's the main thing.

[MJB]

There are two bottles available of the JEP Rye 15yo locally and I was thinking about picking it up (139.00). I'm glad I decided to come home and check the forums first.

[buckey48]

I also noticed this is now $100-$120 most places online. Pepper 15 is now more expensive than Pappy 15.

I got a bottle for $60+ have not tried. Wish I could find any Pappy for $100 let alone the 15 yr. Local on Craigslist will be over $500 for PVW 15

[dSculptor]

The info on the James E. Pepper website says, "Get this special whiskey while you can," leading me to believe the 15 year is a limited release.

Hmmm... maybe I should go back and pick one up, but I think the price was $115.00 if I remember correctly.Wonder if it's worth it?