About
James E. Pepper Distillery is a centerpiece of Lexington’s Distillery District, offering a polished, high-energy bourbon stop that feels both historic and current. Set in a revitalized industrial campus just minutes from downtown, the experience is built around a guided tour that blends brand history, museum time, and a look inside an active working distillery, finished with a tasting that ties it all together. Even if you are not touring, the on-site bar and shop make it an easy drop-in, with whiskey flights, neat pours, and Old Fashioned cocktails that fit the district’s social, walkable vibe. This is a great stop for travelers who want a classic Kentucky whiskey story without leaving the city, plus the convenience of being steps from other bars, restaurants, and attractions in the same district.
History
The Pepper name is one of America’s oldest whiskey legacies, with the brand tracing its origins to the Revolutionary War era and continuing through 1967 before bourbon’s downturn led to the Lexington operation going dormant for decades. In the late 2000s, the revival began with a relaunch led by whiskey entrepreneur Amir Peay and a long campaign of historical research to rebuild the story and reintroduce “Pepper” whiskey to modern shelves. After a multi-year restoration effort that brought the historic Lexington distillery back from severe disrepair, the site returned to distilling in December 2017, once again producing whiskey using the same historic recipe noted from its final era of operation.
Notoriety
James E. Pepper Distillery is well-known because it blends deep whiskey history with a modern, approachable visit that works for both enthusiasts and casual travelers. The brand’s reputation is tied to its role in shaping whiskey standards and consumer trust, and the tour experience emphasizes that legacy in a way that feels engaging rather than academic. It also stands out because the setting is distinctly Lexington. A restored, industrial-style distillery in the middle of a lively district where you can make an entire afternoon of bourbon, beer, coffee, and local shops without driving all over town. Visitors love that you can tour, taste, then stay and enjoy the bar experience, all while being surrounded by other walkable District favorites. For many people, Pepper feels like the perfect “urban bourbon stop” because it delivers authenticity, energy, and a strong sense of place in one visit.
experiences
Cocktail Classes
Duration:
N/A
Price:
N/A
At this time, the distillery does not offer any cocktail classes.
Tours & Tastings
Duration:
1 Hr
Price:
$25
James E. Pepper pairs guided tours and whiskey tastings with a revived historic distillery setting in Lexington’s lively Distillery District.
amenities
Cocktail Bar
Event Spaces
Gift Shop
Pet Friendly
nearby
Distilleries
Barrel House Distilling Co.
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
Woodford Reserve
Things To Do
Explore the Distillery District
McConnel Springs Park
The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden
Food & Drink
Ethereal Brewing
Goodfellas Pizzeria
Crank & Boom Ice Cream
Stay
The Manchester
21c Museum Hotel
The Campbell House