We can’t celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month without spotlighting one of Kentucky’s most iconic distilleries that's been producing whiskey as far back as the American Revolution.

Nestled in the heart of Lexington’s Distillery District, James E. Pepper Distillery pairs history with flavor. Visitors can explore its storied past on a guided tour, sample its award-winning lineup during an extensive tasting, and experience a true slice of Lexington heritage — one sip at a time.

History

Colonel James E. Pepper (1850–1906) was the third generation to carry on his family’s bourbon legacy, producing “Old Pepper” whiskey from his grandfather’s Revolutionary War-era recipe, “Old 1776.”

In 1880, Pepper built his Lexington distillery, one of the largest and most technologically advanced in the country. Always pushing the industry forward, he helped Kentucky distilleries gain the right to bottle their own whiskey and played a key role in passing the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 — America’s first law protecting whiskey consumers.

He also left his mark on cocktail culture, popularizing the Old Fashioned at Louisville’s Pendennis Club.

After half a century of silence, the James E. Pepper Distillery returned to life in 2017, reviving a legendary bourbon tradition in Lexington.

The brand had been relaunched in 2008 by whiskey entrepreneur Amir Peay and produced through partner distilleries until its local comeback. Some bottles on shelves today may still come from those partner distilleries — check the back label to find out.

For the history buffs: Dive deeper into the fascinating story of James E. Pepper in this in-depth feature.

Pepper Distillery’s signature spirits, featuring a variety of bourbons and rye whiskeys, available for tasting. | Photo by Alexis Baker | LEXtoday

Spirits

James E. Pepper Distillery's core lineup consists of the 1776 Bourbon, 1776 Rye, Bottled-In-Bond Rye, Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon, and the Decanter Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon. These products undergo the facility's meticulous Distilling Program.

Leading the charge of the carefully crafted, unique process is Plant Manager and Head Distiller Cody Giles.

Giles graduated from the University of Kentucky where he studied Chemical Engineering and took part in the Distillation, Wine, and Brewing Studies program. He later joined the Pepper Distillery in 2017 during its restoration.

The Distilling Program produces a limited number of distinct Kentucky Bourbon barrels. Giles said the distillery uses both historic and unique mash bills based on historic flavor grains used at the distillery.

The distillery also uses a historic distillery well and 100% locally grown corn by a single farmer; its rye and barley are sourced from around the world.

The Pepper Distillery's Old fashioned is its signature cocktail. | Photo by Alexis Baker | LEXtoday

Tours + Tastings

The Pepper Distillery offers a gift shop, bar, and guided tours. Guests can browse the distillery museum, see the production process up close, and enjoy a whiskey tasting — complete with a complimentary glass to take home. The bar and patio also serve flights, neat pours, and the house-recommended Old Fashioned cocktails.

This year, the distillery revamped its patio space with the opening of Ella's, a new patio bar in honor of James Pepper’s wife. Ella’s is open on Fridays and Saturdays, 4-10 p.m., with happy hour from 4-6 p.m — it's the ideal place for locals and repeat visitors to enjoy the Distillery District like never before.

Missed last week’s edition of our National Bourbon Heritage Month series? Check out our conversation with Chief Alchemist Macaulay Minton at Dark Arts Whiskey House.