The little distillery that can. This was a delightful and informative tour. Pepper is small enough that you can absorb the process and enjoy their beverages. You can see everything from where the grain comes in, to where the booze comes out, and will leave with a much better understanding of how bourbon and rye are made. We went on to another distillery, Buffalo Trace, and that place is too large to appreciate the process and its subtleties. read more

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Loved my visit to James E Pepper Distillery! Great location in the District. Store front was great. All staff was very helpful and friendly. The tour was awesome! The tour guide, Kaitlin, was very engaging, energetic, and entertaining. Her knowledge about this small craft distillery, as well as the bourbon industry in general, was impressive. Really liked hearing the history before getting to see the actual distilling process up close and personal! The tastings included in the tour were wonderful. Prices were extremely reasonable. The bar offered flights and their signature Old Fashioned. They opened a patio bar called Ella's that I can't wait to back and visit. Definitely recommend visiting this special piece of Lexington History!!! read more

Awesome craft distillery, the tour was great, Kaitlin was knowledgeable of the process and I really enjoyed her story telling of the history of the distillery, I left there feeling like I knew James and his wife Ella. The bourbon is excellent, my favorite is the decanter bottle. Great location with several shops and restaurants within walking distance, Kaitlin made it feel more like a community than a bunch of stores grouped together. Don't miss this gem if you're in the area . read more

On December 21st, 2017 the distilling recommenced on site at the Historic James E. Pepper Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky. This iconic property, a National Historic Landmark, which had been abandoned for over 50 years was reopened and this district has grown and thrived. We were glad to visit and are delighted that this Distillery now is a great spot to visit in our community! From their website: A guided tour that includes the story of the historic Pepper Brand & Distillery, time in the distillery museum, a tour of the working distillery, a tasting of our award-winning whiskeys and a complimentary Glencairn whiskey glass. Tour prices Per Person $20 | Veteran $10; Active Military & Children under the age of 10: Free HOURS: Wed-Sat tours start every hour 10:30am-3:30pm Sunday tours every hour Noon-4pm read more

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Came to the distilery district for a little R&R with the family. This was the first stop. I've had their bourbon before, so I'm familiar with the taste... but wanted to see how they operated. Unfortunately, I didn't get to try anything. We walked in to an empty tasting room and the people working were just talking to themselves and we were not greeted. Went to a table and looked at the menu, they only make 3 types of bourbon, so I wanted to try a flight... waited a min. Still not greeted. So, we walked out. It was a tell tale sign when you're the only people in the room on a Saturday night. If you've ever been to the distilery district, you'd know that it's busy at ever establishment. We probably wont be going back, even if we had the chance. You're better off going elsewhere with better bourbon. read more

Rebirth of a classic Bourbon name. The distillery renovated the namesake abandoned plant and brought it back. Their production approach seems innovative and there should be some interesting releases in a few years. The bar area is comfortable and a great place to have a cocktail. read more

James E Pepper Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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So glad we stopped here today. In the Distillery district next to Goodfella pizza- we did the first tasting of the day for Sunday -11:30. We did the 1776 Bourbon, 1776 Rye and 4 year SB Rye. Generous pours and great conversation. The facility is beautiful - industrial motif. Tastings start at 10.00. Hubs loved the tastings- I'm not a "neat" bourbon drinker so I should have opted for the Old Fashion because I still need to get through the day . They looked amazing! Would highly recommend and would go back again. read more

James E Pepper Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Mimi was a great tour guide! There's not a whole lot to see there, but it's very tastefully presented. The front lobby and tasting room are decorated in a cool reclaimed factory style. We saw and learned about the whole process of bourbon making. We had the unique opportunity of watching an employee empty a barrel. The bourbon and rye are very good. I liked the chocolate provided to go along with the tasting. The historic area the distillery is in is very inviting with lots of food options and indoor and outdoor dining space. I would recommend this distillery and the area it's in. I would also return. read more

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Pepper was our only distillery tour in Lexington proper and it didn't disappoint. Our the guide, Amanda, was very informative and engaging throughout. I think the most interesting part for me was hearing the history of the Pepper distillery and the mark they made on the classic Old Fashioned. While not really a bourbon fan, I had a great time here and took home a bottle for a friend. read more

3 1/2 Did not do the tour. This place is open later than most so a good place to finish. I enjoyed the Rye, the bourbon not as much. Worth a stop. If you arrive from the west be aware the parking is on the other side of the building. Cool area with other places to visit, including food, and only having to park once is awesome. read more

Jessie was great tons of good info and history. Loved it. Make sure u try the old fashioned at the end. read more

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Tour was interesting but not as good as Buffalo Trace. Tour guide was over the top and hard to understand. Different guide would probably have made a difference in my opinion read more

I have to James E Pepepr on multiple occasions.. First time was not to long after they first opened the distillery for tours... last time in the middle of June, in a vain attempt to replenish my bourbon selection with a very fine bourbon... I was sad to learn that they no longer had any of my beloved bourbon available, but I did enjoy tasting multiple bourbons and selecting several to bring home. I was excited to see the area around the distillery has grown since my last visit... There are now numerous shops and restaurants you can visit before or after the distillery tour. But alas the problem with growth is that parking becomes a premium, so I suggest if you see a parking spot take it.. Trying to get closer to the distillery will allow another patron to park and force you to circle around... read more

This was my first visit to this distillery area of town. You'll find a couple of shops, several restaurants, and a copious amount of choices to get your drink on! I adore a good old-fashioned, and the mixologist at the distillery did not disappoint. After a brief explanation of the differences between the bourbons and ryes, I picked my poison. My favorite part was watching him take a healthy-sized portion of lemon zest and use it 3 ways to adorn my drink. First, he twisted it over the glass releasing it's essence. Next, he rubbed it along the inside rim of the glass before finally using it as a garnish. Yeah, one of the best old-fashioned I've ever had, and I'm not easily impressed. Please check out this small-batch distillery and take the tour, then order yourself a little glass of history for sipping. read more

James E Pepper Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

We stopped by for a couple flights and to buy some bourbon/rye. There were tours offered but we didn't take one. Good selection of alcohol and other items in the gift shop. Awesome location to visit any time of day or night. Multiple restaurants and bars in walking distance with plenty of parking. read more

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Bourbon and history...in the heart of Lexington. The curiosity of one man's vision helped to preserve a once historic brand almost lost to ethos of time. The old distillery district on Manchester has been brought back life thanks to the restoration of the old James E. Pepper distillery. It's a boutique small batch distillery with all the feels of the large distillery tour. This is one of the best bourbon tours I've been on. The tour guide was insightful, sharing the history of the Pepper family, the Old Distillery District, and how it laid in disarray for years before reclaiming the area. There were artifacts recovered from original facility displayed as she spoke about the history. We toured the facility, tasted the mash during different stages of fermentation, and sat down to sample all the different varieties of bourbon and rye. We finished the tour off with chocolate and the temptation of the original recipe old fashion. Staff was extremely accommodating. I will be back to visit their bar. read more

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Absolutely amazing experience. Our tour guide was absolutely amazing she was totally into it and she made the experience. Great tasting experience I would highly recommend this place. read more

James E Pepper Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

* VISIT & TAKE THE TOUR!!!* Dont go for the box store bourbon tour. This is definitely the one to take & bring home a bottle of the Old Pepper Bourbon. We are so extremely pleased that we chose James E. Pepper Distillery for our tour. We felt that this tour we well worth more than triple the price we paid. No other tour will you get the attention, details, education & tasting opportunities!!! Our guide was beyond fabulous, he was full of information dating back to 1800's & seems to take pride in his career. Thank you Evan for making our trip to Kentucky so memorable. May The Pepper Distillery continue to grow & be successful. read more

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Seriously the best tour I have ever taken anywhere. Amanda was the most knowledgeable tour guide at any tour I've ever been on.

One of the best bourbon tours and really good bourbon. I love that it wasn't so touristy and over crowded.

My husband & I enjoyed this tour because we learned the history of the distillery from Bill, a great storyteller, plus it wasn't too long or complicated. We got to sample "high wine" & single batch rye from the barrell. We learned the distilling process, sampled 2 more products plus a surprise!! Very nice tour. read more

It was supposed to work in Kentucky. I book one day prior. Parking spot available. Your master was very professional. His name was slaid. I never seen that kind of tour. I'll be enjoying live fermentation. But he gave us knowledge about to milling to to bottling whole process information. They try to whiskey Bourbon and rye. I would say like he's a very good person. And the tour was very worth knowledgeable. Highly recommend it. Thanks. read more

James E Pepper Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Great little distillery. They gave a very. Nice variety of Rye whiskeys. Found in the old historic James Pepper Distillery located about 2 minutes from downtown Lexington. Do both flights and have a cocktail. Enjoy the old distillery grounds. read more

spent almost 200 dollars at your facility, your bottle had a leak I walk outside and the bag breaks and the 70 dollar bottle breaks and you won't help me out .wont come back again!! read more

Always a great time ! Always developing some new batches! Stay tuned! Love the service attentive to all the guests Marjorie is a super special spirit! read more

Thank you Amanda four the tour , you are sweet, informative, friendly and make that your very enjoyable read more

James E Pepper Distillery - This is an old fashion cocktail - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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I didn't opt for the tour and just did a few tastes. Kind of a sterile tasting room. Everything's just a little too shiny and open. Staff was nice though, and the pours were cheap. Worth going to if you're already in the area (lots of bars/restaurants and breweries nearby), but I wouldn't necessarily consider it a destination, unless you really want to do a tour (but I've learned that most distillery tours are just minor variations of the same theme). read more

Limited options, but you can't choose a bad one! They make a great Manhattan. You can order a flight if you're interested!

Super fun tour with very pleasant tasting at the end. Only Bourbon Trail your I've been on yet where we got a taste straight out of the barrel! Book online to make sure space is available! read more

We took a tour yesterday and it was fantastic! Kaylee was so knowledgeable about everything bourbon! We had a great time!

Really enjoyed the tour and tasting. Was a very quick and basic tour but that is exactly what we wanted. Go see them!

Such a Great Tour with Ben. Ben's knowledge is Awesome! James E Pepper is a hidden Gem! Such a great location and the weather is Awesome. Summer Spot. read more

James E Pepper Distillery - Bar Menu - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Reuse and Recycle! That's exactly what has been done here in Lexington with lots of old dilapidated properties. The Pepper Campus is no different. While I am not so certain why there are so many entries for the Distillery (besides the obvious typo on the name for this one). See my other reviews for Break Room, Middle Fork, Ethereal, and Crank N Boom. read more

We were in town for a wedding, and since my husband loves a good bourbon, I decided to book this tour. I'm not a bourbon drinker, but I found the tour to be pretty cool. Sorry, I don't remember the tour guide's name but he had a pretty cool mustache. The history of the distillery was great. To learn all of the challenges that they overcame through the years kept my attention. Overall, I'm glad we did the tour. read more

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Great addition to the whisky / bourbon trail. We had a group of 25-30 people and they had no problem taking care of us. Great staff, very patient and explained everything and helpful us choose our drinks. One of the first distilleries (DSP-KY5) in Kentucky so don't miss it! read more

James E Pepper Distillery - Single Malt barrel - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Took the tour and enjoyed learning all about the history, ingredient and process of making spirits. Fascinated by the history and learned that this distillery predates Wodford. Evan our host and guide was very knowledgeable about the process. We watched interns working and enjoyed a taste test w a special bourbon truffle. Do buy some to take home as we did. We enjoyed pizza next door before our afternoon tour. We were delighted to have a private tour on our Wednesday afternoon. The area has been revitalized with restaurants and distillery. Great area to explore. read more

Lily was an amazing tour guide. Very knowledgeable and professional. Loved the tour and the samples were delicious. Highly recommend!

This was a fun experience. The tour was about 45 minutes with another 15 minutes following to taste six of their finished spirits. The tour guide was very energetic and informative. read more

James E Pepper Distillery - This is the first step in the distilling process - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Great place to visit! Learned a lot about the history and how this bourbon came to be! #5 distillery in the State of Kentucky and they were able to get their number back when they re-opened last year (DSP-KY-5)! read more

James E Pepper Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Absolutely loved James Pepper distillery tour! Highly recommend making time to book if you're doing any parts of the bourbon trail (or not) and staying close to downtown. Travis was an amazing tour guide the history of the distillery was informative and learning about the distilling process through a smaller facility was more intimate. The bourbon was amazing too of course read more