The Bourbon Legends and Buster’s Unveil 107.8-Proof James E. Pepper Single Barrel

Last Updated on August 6, 2026 by Justin Jones

The Lexington Legacy James E. Pepper Single Barrel

The barrel selection takes its name from James E. Pepper’s historic connection to Lexington, Kentucky. The collaboration also creates a regional link between The Bourbon Legends, based in Conway, Arkansas, and Buster’s Liquors & Wines in Memphis, Tennessee.

A High-Rye Bourbon Containing 49% Rye

During an appearance on The Bourbon Legends’ Thirsty Nite Live, a James E. Pepper distiller identified as Cody confirmed that the Buster’s barrel came from the distillery’s high-rye bourbon recipe containing 49% rye.

That percentage places the whiskey extremely close to the legal dividing line between bourbon and rye whiskey. Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn, making this nearly the highest rye content possible while the whiskey remains bourbon.

James E. Pepper currently works with corn, malted rye, unmalted rye and malted barley, without using wheat in its production. Cody explained that malted rye is used primarily for flavor rather than enzymatic conversion.

The complete percentage breakdown among corn, malted rye, unmalted rye and malted barley was not disclosed during the interview.

The Barrel Stood Out Before the Group Knew the Mash Bill

Members of The Bourbon Legends said they selected the barrel primarily for its flavor rather than its technical specifications. The group did not know the mash bill while evaluating the samples, but said this particular barrel separated itself from the other choices and quickly emerged as the preferred selection.

One host described it as one of the strongest James E. Pepper bourbons he had tasted, while another said the group recognized early in the tasting that it was the barrel they wanted.

During the same interview, Cody said exceptional single barrels should demonstrate both “complexity and cohesion.” He looks for several distinct flavors that still move naturally from the initial sip through the mid-palate and finish.

Lower Entry Proof, Kentucky White Oak and Kelvin Cooperage

Cody said James E. Pepper generally enters its bourbon into barrels at 110 proof, below the federal maximum barrel-entry proof of 125.

The practice is partly connected to historic James E. Pepper production records, which show the original distillery entering some whiskey at proofs as low as 107. The distillery also prefers the flavor profile created by the lower entry proof, which Cody said can produce sweeter perceived flavors and more caramel-driven barrel notes.

James E. Pepper uses barrels from Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville. Cody said the barrels are made from Kentucky white oak air-seasoned for a minimum of 18 months before construction and maturation.

The distillery also uses Vendome distillation equipment and produces five bourbon mash bills, providing several distinct flavor profiles for blending and single-barrel releases.

Official Tasting Notes

Promotional materials for The Lexington Legacy describe a profile that combines traditional bourbon sweetness with fruit, oak and herbal character.

At 107.8 proof, the release offers substantial concentration without reaching the intensity of many modern bourbons bottled at 120 proof or higher.

An Arkansas and Memphis Bourbon Collaboration

The Lexington Legacy connects an Arkansas bourbon community with one of Memphis’ best-known liquor retailers. The Bourbon Legends is based in Conway, while Buster’s Liquors & Wines operates in Memphis.

The Bourbon Legends promoted arrangements for bottles to be brought into Central Arkansas, while buyers outside the local area were directed to separate fulfillment options.

A Distinctive James E. Pepper Selection

With its five-year age statement, 107.8 proof and mash bill containing 49% rye, The Lexington Legacy carries several characteristics that distinguish it from more conventional bourbon releases.

The technical specifications are notable, but the heart of the story is how the barrel was selected. Members of The Bourbon Legends said they chose it before learning its unusual rye content, relying instead on flavor, balance and finish.

For Arkansas bourbon enthusiasts, the release provides another example of a local whiskey community building relationships with established retailers and Kentucky distilleries to bring distinctive single-barrel selections to the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Lexington Legacy?

The Lexington Legacy is a five-year James E. Pepper Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey selected by The Bourbon Legends in collaboration with Buster’s Liquors & Wines.

How strong is The Lexington Legacy bourbon?

The single-barrel bourbon is bottled at 107.8 proof, equivalent to 53.9% alcohol by volume.

How much rye is in the mash bill?

A James E. Pepper distiller said the high-rye bourbon mash bill contains 49% rye, placing it close to the maximum rye content possible while remaining bourbon.

Where was the barrel selection released?

Buster’s Liquors & Wines in Memphis is the retail partner, while The Bourbon Legends promoted arrangements intended to make bottles available to buyers in Central Arkansas.