Elijah Pepper began distilling Whiskey at the dawn of the American Revolution and during the War of 1812, he built the first log cabin distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. Eventually, he passed the family business on to his son, Oscar, and then on to his grandson, James E. Pepper. Colonel James E. Pepper was one of Kentucky's first Bourbon aristocrats he raced thoroughbreds in the Kentucky Derby, traveled in a private rail car and made famous the Old Fashioned cocktail. Pepper Whiskey is an old fashioned Whiskey, made in the old time way from a formula used for more than 100 years by three generations of the Pepper family, wrote James, in an advertisement dated August 22, 1887. We claim not only to make the oldest but absolutely the purest and best brand of Whiskey made in America, and we invite comparison with any Whiskey of any age. In 1958, after the Whiskey industry fell on hard times, the James E. Pepper Distillery was forced to close its doors. During its tenure, Pepper Whiskey, or Old 1776 Whiskey as it became it known, was a favorite of Presidents Andrew Jackson and Ulysses S. Grant, and was preferred by Daniel Webster, a leading American statesman and senator from Massachusetts. Before re-launching this iconic brand, says Amir Peay, we did extensive research and spent years collecting and analyzing full, preserved bottles of original Pepper Whiskey. Peay even acquired a letter written by Pepper himself, detailing the exact mashbill and recipe used to create Old 1776. We wanted to pay homage to Pepper's legacy and do our best to recreate the original Pepper Whiskey something that was part of American history, he says. The high-rye mash bill, non-chill filtration and overproof character result in a Whiskey with spicy aromas of crushed pepper, tobacco, barrel char and licorice. The chewy palate is filled with more herbs and spices, particularly cedar, and leads to an exceptional finish with hints of black cherry, charcoal smoke and mild sweetness. "We used the same traditional methods that Pepper championed in order to restore these Whiskeys," says Peay.

Situated along the banks of the East River, Kings County Distillery is New York City's oldest operating whiskey distillery and the first distillery in New York City since Prohibition. Wedged between Williamsburg and Vinegar Hill, Colin Spoelman and David Haskell, the master distillers at Kings County, make hand-crafted bourbon, moonshine, and now single malt whiskey out of the 117-year old Paymaster Building at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. A typewriter the two distillers found on the sidewalk in Williamsburg is used to make the labels that adorn their clear, flask-like bottles, while a hairdryer (made by Revlon) is used to affix each bottle seal. Handwritten scrawls on a chalkboard keep track of different batches, and mesh laundry bags are used as strainers. Kings County Single Malt Whiskey is just like a single malt Scotch except it's made in Brooklyn! The barley is sourced from England and Scotland before being malted with a touch of peat, and open-fermented. Following fermentation Kings County uses traditional Scottish pot stills to double distill the whiskey, which is then aged in their own used bourbon barrels, maturing anywhere from one and a half to four years. Kings County Single Malt Whiskey has an aroma of hay and peat, all the while carried by a palate of honey that leads to a finish of burnt orange peel. Kings County Single Malt Whiskey won the Gold Medal at the American Craft Spirit Awards in 2016, and Kings County Distillery was named ADI's Distillery of the Year in 2016 as well!

Internationally renowned British bartenders Henry Besant and Dre Masso were on a quest to create a tequila diverse enough for bartenders to use in cocktails, and excellent enough to compete with (and surpass!) high-end bottles when drinking neat. They teamed up with Jalisco native Jess Hernandez, who has spent seventeen years perfecting the art of tequila as Maestro at the Destilera Colonial de Jalisco in Los Altos. Hernandez manages every level of production, starting with 100% blue agave planted in ideal growing conditions at 2,100 meters above sea level in mineral-rich volcanic soil. After seven to eight years, the plants are finally ready to be hand-harvested by jimadors. Unlike grapes or wheat, agave plants take nearly a decade to mature, so the soil and growing conditions have a strong impact on the final product. Destilera Colonial de Jalisco employs an entirely full-time, multi-generational, team of jimadors who have passed down the art of agave harvesting for decades. After selecting only the best plants for processing, the agave is roasted in the distillery's own brick ovens for up to three days, before resting in order to retain as much juice as possible for the tequila. After relaxing for a bit, half of the agave is shredded and pressed via a roller mill, while the rest is crushed using a two-ton Tahona Stone. Tahona rolling is a 500-year old method used almost exclusively for the finest tequila. The agave juice ferments for 36 hours and is then distilled in small batches using copper stills. Olmeca Altos Tequila Aejo blends the vibrancy of tequila with the bourbon craft. After maturing in oak barrels for 18 months, the Aejo has a softer aroma, with notes of dried fruit and almonds. With woody notes, vanilla and chocolate flavors, it's a great cross over bottle for bourbon lovers that are looking to explore a bit more. 

Tullamore, in Ireland's Midlands, was once ruled by Clan O'Molloy. On May 10, 1785, a hot air balloon crash ignited a fire, leading to the world's first aviation disaster. The city adopted a phoenix as its coat of arms, symbolizing resilience. Tullamore DEW Distillery, founded 50 years later at the crash site, uses malted barley, unmalted barley, and corn to craft its whiskey. The grains are milled, mashed, and fermented in wooden washbacks. Triple distillation in copper-pot stills intensifies the alcohol content and flavors. Tullamore DEW 18 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey matures in Madeira, Oloroso, and Port casks, offering an aroma of malt, oak, apples, and tobacco, with a palate of tropical fruit, vanilla, butter, and a long sherry finish.

Citadelle Original is our very first gin, the French gin par excellence. Dry and structured, it strikes a perfect balance between finesse and intensity. It has been the signature expression of our savoir-faire since 1996.

Citadelle Original offers a rich and complete aromatic palette.

Juniper introduces Citadelle’s signature botanical from the outset, then opens up to bright citrus notes that enhances the juniper berry’s freshness. The finish leans more exotic… long and spicy thanks to touches of pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Established in 1780, during the American Revolution, the Pepper family brand is the oldest brand of whiskey made in Kentucky. The brand was fondly called Old '1776', by its scion, the Colonel James E. Pepper. The award-winning 1776 label was launched in 2012 in partnership with other distilleries to revive the old brand and has since gone on to much acclaim in the world of whiskey.

Sensory Notes

Complex & Flavorful; notes of mint, cloves, eucalyptus, chocolate, & honey. Our most popular whiskey; a great sipper neat or on the rocks, and makes the perfect Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Awards / Accolades

2021 - Gold Medal; San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2020 - Best Rye Whiskey under $40 - Whiskey Critic, Fred Minnick Blind Tasting

2020 - 91 pts; International Wine and Spirits Competition

2019 - Double Gold Medal; San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2018 - Gold Medal; New York World Spirits Competition

Nestled in a Denver industrial complex, Leopold Bros. Distillery is the brainchild of Todd Leopold. His journey through malt and brewing studies, brewing in Germany, and distilling in Kentucky led to the establishment of this distillery in 2008, in Littleton, Colorado. Leopold Bros. celebrates the diversity of Pre-Prohibition American rye whiskey, offering both Pennsylvania rye with traditional spice and dryness and Maryland rye, known for its fruity and floral character. Leopold Bros.' Maryland-Style Rye Whiskey revives a classic style with meticulous yeast selection and aging in charred American oak barrels, resulting in a unique flavor profile marked by woody rye, vanilla, citrus, and cocoa notes.

A favorite of the founders, our Blanco offers such an incredibly smooth finish and distinct herbal notes that they love to sip it straight. To those who prefer to mix, cocktails never had it so good.

Mars Shinshu is Japan's highest whisky distillery, at 798 meters -just over 2,600 feet- nestled between Japan's Southern and Central Alps. Mars Shinshu is owned by the Hombo family, who have been in the business of distillation for over a century. Whisky became a part of the Mars Shinshu production line up in 1949. In 1984, Shinshu decided to move their southernmost Kyushu distillery to the picturesque alpine Miyada village, where the high altitude and cool climate make for suitable conditions for whisky-making. The whisky is produced from waters that pass through granite rock, this water is high in natural minerals. This whisky is named after Kiichiro Iwai, known as The Silent Pioneer of Japan Whisky, and the former mentor of Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka and Suntory Whisky. Iwai sent Taketsuru to Scotland to learn the art of whisky-making. Taketsuru returned to Japan, presenting a whisky-making report- the Taketsuru Notes- to Iwai. Taketsuru was the first Japanese to learn the art of whisky-making. Mars Shinshu's whiskies continue to be some of the most inexpensive Japanese whiskies on the market, and they are full of high quality character and complex flavor. Iwai Tradition, is a blended whisky, comprised of both single malts, grains, and blended whiskies. The whisky is then aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-wine casks, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Iwai Tradition is a special tribute to Iwai and Japanese Whisky. This is malt driven spirit is truly a reflection of contemporary Japanese whisky. Incredibly balanced, soft and layered. A blending of sherry, bourbon and wine casks with hints delicate hints of peat make for a harmonious whisky that would make Iwai-san proud.

The Volstead Act of 1920 which initiated Prohibition in the USA granted permits to six distillers in Kentucky to continue to bottle bourbon for medicinal purposes. Through one of these permits, Old Forester continued to be produced as medicinal whiskey on Louisville’s famed Whiskey Row. It is the only bourbon continuously sold by the same company that has been available for sale before, during and after Prohibition.

During this time, all whiskies had to be bottled at 100 Proof. With a barrel entry proof of 100, the “angel’s share” would have created a 115 proof whiskey after maturation. To pay homage to this era, Old Forester presents 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon at 115 proof to represent the rich flavor profile this bourbon had nearly 100 years ago.

Tasting Notes

AROMA: An intense medley of cherry preserves, drippy caramel, dark chocolate, thickened maple syrup and seasoned oak spiciness.

TASTE: Dark caramel coats layers of malt nuttiness and sweet graham cracker all warmed by green peppercorn and coriander spice brightened with a hint of cedar.

FINISH: Tart apple crispness gives way to a long smoky finish full of toasted marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker sweetness.

Kikori was launched in the Fall of 2015 by Ann Soh Woods, an up and comer in the Japanese Whisky scene. Ann, founder and owner of Soh Spirits, is a bold spark of brilliance, with her fresh take on Japanese whisky. Her imaginative 100% rice based Japanese whisk(e)y -which she chose to spell with an e, to distinguish Kikori from other Japanese whiskies- won gold at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Bureau didn't know how to classify it at first, but it is a whiskey. It is similar to its cousin Shochu -a Japanese alcohol distilled from rice or sweet potatoes- but is served at a higher 41% ABV than shochu's 25-35%. Wood's had a fascination with whiskey, and her frequent trips to Japan, roused intrigue for the rituals and traditions of Japanese alcohols. Rice is a huge part of Japanese culture. By distilling whiskey from this prominent grain, Woods seeks to capture the spirit of Japan. This is how the imaginative whiskey was born. Introducing bold ideas like these into such a male dominated old school market like the whiskey industry had its challenges. It is always assumed that I am a sales representative when I visit accounts, and it is always a pleasant surprise when they find out I am the founder. Said Woods in an interview with Munchies Magazine. Not to mention overcoming language and cultural barriers. Kikori is distilled in Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu, Japan, the birthplace of Kikori. When approached with the unconventional idea for her Japanese whiskey, distillers were skeptical, but the new drink has gained popularity. Woods depended on a master distiller for the formula, and it has become a success. Kikori states that the rice is sourced locally from the Kumamoto rice paddy. Located alongside the Iwase River, Kumamoto has a distinct volcanic rich soil. The signature rice is cooked in giant steel steamers, and distilled using pure mountain water, the rice ""has been cultivated in southern Japan for over 2000 years in the nutrient rich, volcanic soil of Kyushu Island. The rice grows in the rich volcanic loam formed through eons of lava flow and ash deposits. It's distilled with fresh mountainous waters that flow through ancient volcanic rocks that are millions of years old. The rice gives it a unique aromatic profile with a floral and fragrant aroma and a velvety smoothness to the palate. No coloring or sugar is added, and it ages in American, French, and sherry oak anywhere from three to seven years.

Here’s to the Smokeheads. The ones who reject the humdrum, and walk to the beat of their own drum. Relentlessly exploring. Pouring less boring. And loving. Every. Last. Drop.

Here’s to rule-breaking, breathtaking Islay single malts born of a simple ambition: to smoke tradition, and forge a new path. Whiskies for rebellious souls who refuse to compromise and whose restless spirit never dies.

With immense smoke and notes of sea salt and spice, this is a vigorous whisky that stands out from the crowd.

Our hero Islay single malt offers heavy woodsmoke and peat, through to honeyed sweetness, via salt, seaweed and spice. The Original Smokehead is an immense, life-affirming whisky that stands out from the crowd.

"Our family links to the whisky industry date back to 1824," says William Wemyss, the founder and CEO of Wemyss Malts, "when John Haig built his distillery on family land in Fife."Wemyss (pronounced "Weems") is the ancient Gaelic word for caves and stems from the rocky outcrop on which the Wemyss family home Castle Wemyss rests. Haig's distillery eventually became known as Cameron Bridge and in 1826, it became the first distillery to produce grain whisky using the column still method invented by Robert Stein. Today, the Wemyss family expertly blends some of the finest whiskies made across Scotland. "Our whiskies are chosen by a tasting panel" says Wemyss, "and the tasting panel comprises people who work in the business, members of the family, and most importantly, is chaired by Charlie MacLean who helps us select the industry's best whiskies to bottle under our brand." MacLean, who has been writing about whisky since 1981, was trained in "the sensory evaluation of potable spirits"by the Scotch Whisky Research Institute in 1992. In addition to being a visiting lecturer at the Smithsonian Institution, he is also a Councillor of Clan Maclean and was elected Master of the Quaich (Quaich is derived from the Gaelic word meaning cup), one of the Scotch industry's highest accolades, in October 2009. Blended with up to 16 different single malt whiskies to produce 3 signature styles of whisky named after their flavor profiles. 8YO Spice King is a Highland Island blend, bottled at an untamed 56% ABV, its spicy character, which takes over near the finish, is amplified by the strong ABV, but the whisky is led by smoky, sweet, zesty, earthy notes.

Bourbon distinguishes itself from regular American whiskey through its requirement for aging in new, charred white American oak barrels. Michter's Whiskey, specifically their US*1 Unblended Small Batch American, goes beyond the standard rules by deviating from the 80% ABV requirement. Located in Kentucky, Michter's has an old distillery and produces whiskey that is unique because it's aged in bourbon-soaked barrels and bottled at an exact 83.4 proof, making it stand out. They also have a meticulous production process, using custom-made, well-dried barrels and a unique chill filtration technique. This whiskey maintains its distinct character and offers rich butterscotch and vanilla notes at 41.7% ABV.

In the 1650s, a Dutch doctor named Franciscus Sylvius was searching for a remedy to the kidney and stomach ailments that he often encountered in his practice of internal medicine. At the time, Dr. Sylvius was a Professor of Medicine in Leyden, and he attempted to infuse juniper berries into a spirit distilled from grain in order to create a panacea. The resulting elixir eventually became known as gin, and was so popular that within a few decades, the Dutch were exporting 10 million gallons annually. For the next 250 years, nearly all the gin produced in the world was barrel-aged since the spirit was stored and transported in oak barrels (at the time, glass was too fragile and plastic and stainless steel containers were still not available). In order to craft a more traditional gin, "we've rested our signature vapor basket gin in our charred oak barrels previously used to age our spiced rum," says Darek Bell, the founder and Master Distiller at Corsair Artisan Distillery. Since opening its doors in 2009, Corsair has received numerous accolades and awards, including being named the 2013 Craft Distillery of the Year and 2013 Innovator of the Year by Whisky Magazine. Corsair's Artisan Gin remains one of the few gins produced using a gin-head (otherwise known as a carter head or vapor basket). This method, allows the flavors and essential oils of the gin's sustainably grown botanicals to be gently extracted using vapor; this technique yields a less bitter spirit than maceration resulting in a more aromatic, clean-tasting gin. This gin head style gin is made using 100% organic botanicals, which yields a brighter, more well-balanced spirit. Using a vapor basket essentially highlights the unique mixture of botanicals use in the spirit, such as citrus, cucumber, cardamom and coriander. Among other accolades, this crisp gin has struck Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the World Beverage Competition, and the International Review of Spirits Awards BTI.

Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège is a well balanced cognac, the expression of 200 years of Hennessy craft. The fruit of nature’s uncertainties, this unique blend has tamed the elements to embody the original concept of cognac. Each sip reveals new facets of its personality.

The savoir-faire of the Maison of Hennessy is fully expressed in this balanced cognac: the selection of eaux-de-vie, aging and assemblage. A cognac of remarkable consistency and vitality, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège conveys all of the savoir-faire of the Hennessy master blenders who have ensured the continued success of this harmonious assemblage for 200 years.

Tasting Notes

Color: Flamboyant mahogany with light tones.

Nose: Release very mature notes, evoking the aroma of fresh fruit coupled with a sensation of suppleness that settles in to underscore the harmony of this cognac.

 Palate: The sensation of full body deepens with the flavor of juice fruit, vanilla, spices and mild tobacco also provided by the vigor of the younger eaux-de-vie.

Created in 1840, the "Liqueur de Santé" is the first liqueur made from the original recipe of the Elixir Végétal de la Grande Chartreuse. It was so popular that Father Garnier, attorney and responsible for the liqueurs at the time, later decided to officially name it 'Chartreuse Verte', and registered the “Chartreuse” mark in 1852. It is still produced and manufactured today by the Chartreux Fathers in their Aiguenoire distillery in Entre-Deux-Guiers (Isère - France).

TASTING NOTES

A Chartreuse green color, a powerful herbaceous, peppery nose.

A fresh palate with minty notes, pine sap and citrus fruits.

Bittersweet tea at the end of the mouth prolongs the tasting.