{"id":3138,"date":"2026-08-06T06:38:45","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T11:38:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/?p=3138"},"modified":"2026-08-06T07:10:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T12:10:43","slug":"bourbon-legends-james-e-pepper-single-barrel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/06\/bourbon-legends-james-e-pepper-single-barrel\/","title":{"rendered":"The Bourbon Legends and Buster\u2019s Unveil 107.8-Proof James E. Pepper Single Barrel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-053d34da wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:18px;color:#ffffff;background-color:#17120f;margin-bottom:32px;padding-top:34px;padding-right:28px;padding-bottom:34px;padding-left:28px\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#d6ae63;margin-bottom:12px;font-size:13px;font-style:normal;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.12em\">ARKANSAS WHISKEY NEWS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(17.905px, 1.119rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.789), 28px);font-weight:700;line-height:1.3\"><strong>The Lexington Legacy<\/strong> brings together The Bourbon Legends of Conway and Buster\u2019s Liquors &amp; Wines of Memphis for a distinctive James E. Pepper single-barrel selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#eee8df;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.313), 18px);line-height:1.65\">Aged five years and bottled at <strong>107.8 proof<\/strong>, the Kentucky straight bourbon was selected for a profile combining caramel, vanilla, aged oak, herbal tea, mixed berry and light orchard fruit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full has-custom-border\" style=\"margin-bottom:14px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/the-lexington-legacy-james-e-pepper-single-barrel-bourbon-legends-busters.webp\" alt=\"The Lexington Legacy James E. Pepper single-barrel bourbon selected by The Bourbon Legends and Buster's\" class=\"wp-image-3145\" style=\"border-radius:18px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/the-lexington-legacy-james-e-pepper-single-barrel-bourbon-legends-busters.webp 1536w, https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/the-lexington-legacy-james-e-pepper-single-barrel-bourbon-legends-busters-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/the-lexington-legacy-james-e-pepper-single-barrel-bourbon-legends-busters-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/the-lexington-legacy-james-e-pepper-single-barrel-bourbon-legends-busters-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Lexington Legacy is a five-year James E. Pepper single-barrel bourbon selected by The Bourbon Legends and Buster\u2019s Liquors &amp; Wines. Graphic by ArkansasLiquor.com using supplied promotional assets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-adc64983 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#dfd1bb;border-width:1px;border-radius:16px;background-color:#f5efe5;margin-top:30px;margin-bottom:36px;padding-top:24px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:24px\">\n<h2 id=\"in-this-story\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.642px, 0.915rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.575), 22px);\">In This Story<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"margin-bottom:0;line-height:1.8\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#lexington-legacy-quick-facts\">The Lexington Legacy quick facts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#james-e-pepper-49-percent-rye\">The unusual 49% rye mash bill<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#bourbon-legends-selection-story\">How the barrel was selected<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#james-e-pepper-barrel-program\">Entry proof, oak and Kelvin Cooperage<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#lexington-legacy-tasting-notes\">Official tasting notes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#lexington-legacy-availability\">Arkansas availability and pricing<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"lexington-legacy-quick-facts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-bottom:20px\">The Lexington Legacy James E. Pepper Single Barrel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The barrel selection takes its name from James E. Pepper\u2019s historic connection to Lexington, Kentucky. The collaboration also creates a regional link between The Bourbon Legends, based in Conway, Arkansas, and Buster\u2019s Liquors &amp; Wines in Memphis, Tennessee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-cd0144ff wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:26px;margin-bottom:16px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a4ecdaa3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;color:#ffffff;background-color:#201814;padding-top:22px;padding-right:18px;padding-bottom:22px;padding-left:18px\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#d6ae63;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.08em\">AGE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(16.834px, 1.052rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.716), 26px);font-weight:700\">5 Years<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a4ecdaa3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;color:#ffffff;background-color:#201814;padding-top:22px;padding-right:18px;padding-bottom:22px;padding-left:18px\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#d6ae63;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.08em\">PROOF<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(16.834px, 1.052rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.716), 26px);font-weight:700\">107.8<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a4ecdaa3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;color:#ffffff;background-color:#201814;padding-top:22px;padding-right:18px;padding-bottom:22px;padding-left:18px\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#d6ae63;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.08em\">ABV<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(16.834px, 1.052rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.716), 26px);font-weight:700\">53.9%<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a4ecdaa3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;color:#ffffff;background-color:#201814;padding-top:22px;padding-right:18px;padding-bottom:22px;padding-left:18px\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#d6ae63;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.08em\">RYE CONTENT<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(16.834px, 1.052rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.716), 26px);font-weight:700\">49%<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-068fdeee wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#e4ddd2;border-width:1px;border-radius:14px;background-color:#faf8f4;margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:40px;padding-top:24px;padding-right:26px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:26px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-ade0628a wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-bottom:10px\"><strong>Producer:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/jamesepepper.com\/\">James E. Pepper<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-bottom:10px\"><strong>Classification:<\/strong> Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Release name:<\/strong> The Lexington Legacy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-bottom:10px\"><strong>Selected by:<\/strong> The Bourbon Legends and Buster\u2019s Liquors &amp; Wines<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-bottom:10px\"><strong>Retail partner:<\/strong> Buster\u2019s in Memphis, Tennessee<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Mash bill:<\/strong> High-rye bourbon containing 49% rye<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"james-e-pepper-49-percent-rye\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">A High-Rye Bourbon Containing 49% Rye<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-abd711ff wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:34px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:62%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During an appearance on The Bourbon Legends\u2019 <strong>Thirsty Nite Live<\/strong>, a James E. Pepper distiller identified as Cody confirmed that the Buster\u2019s barrel came from the distillery\u2019s high-rye bourbon recipe containing <strong>49% rye<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The complete percentage breakdown among corn, malted rye, unmalted rye and malted barley was not disclosed during the interview.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:38%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"664\" src=\"https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/the-lexington-legacy-james-e-pepper-bourbon-legends-sticker.webp\" alt=\"Oval Bourbon Legends sticker for The Lexington Legacy James E. Pepper single-barrel bourbon\" class=\"wp-image-3147\" style=\"border-radius:14px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/the-lexington-legacy-james-e-pepper-bourbon-legends-sticker.webp 900w, https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/the-lexington-legacy-james-e-pepper-bourbon-legends-sticker-300x221.webp 300w, https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/the-lexington-legacy-james-e-pepper-bourbon-legends-sticker-768x567.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The custom Bourbon Legends sticker created for The Lexington Legacy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9b9eba61 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:16px;border-left-color:#9c672f;border-left-width:6px;color:#251b16;background-color:#efe1ca;margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:40px;padding-top:28px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:28px;padding-left:30px\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(15.747px, 0.984rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.645), 24px);font-style:italic;line-height:1.45\">\u201cThe Lexington Legacy was chosen for what was in the glass\u2014not simply because of an unusual mash bill or proof statement.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"bourbon-legends-selection-story\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Barrel Stood Out Before the Group Knew the Mash Bill<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the same interview, Cody said exceptional single barrels should demonstrate both <strong>\u201ccomplexity and cohesion.\u201d<\/strong> He looks for several distinct flavors that still move naturally from the initial sip through the mid-palate and finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e6632154 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:18px;color:#ffffff;background-color:#17120f;margin-top:34px;margin-bottom:42px;padding-top:28px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:28px;padding-left:24px\">\n<h3 id=\"watch-the-barrel-pick-discussion\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:8px\">Watch the Barrel-Pick Discussion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#ddd3c5;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:20px\">This excerpt begins at 30:53 and ends at 33:12 of The Bourbon Legends\u2019 Thirsty Nite Live episode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"position:relative;width:100%;padding-top:56.25%;overflow:hidden;border-radius:12px;background:#000;\">\n\t\t<iframe\n\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oGbtDffeMFE?start=1853&amp;end=1992\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"The Bourbon Legends discuss their James E. Pepper single-barrel selection\"\n\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\tstyle=\"position:absolute;inset:0;width:100%;height:100%;border:0;\"\n\t\t\tallow=\"accelerometer;autoplay;clipboard-write;encrypted-media;gyroscope;picture-in-picture;web-share\"\n\t\t\tallowfullscreen>\n\t\t<\/iframe>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"james-e-pepper-barrel-program\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lower Entry Proof, Kentucky White Oak and Kelvin Cooperage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f151d999 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:42px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:68%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cody said James E. Pepper generally enters its bourbon into barrels at <strong>110 proof<\/strong>, below the federal maximum barrel-entry proof of 125.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">James E. Pepper uses barrels from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kelvincooperage.com\/\">Kelvin Cooperage<\/a><\/strong> in Louisville. Cody said the barrels are made from Kentucky white oak air-seasoned for a minimum of 18 months before construction and maturation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The distillery also uses Vendome distillation equipment and produces five bourbon mash bills, providing several distinct flavor profiles for blending and single-barrel releases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:32%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-background is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-73197ef3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#ded4c6;border-width:1px;border-radius:16px;background-color:#f7f3ec;padding-top:24px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:24px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"919\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kelvin-cooperage-logo-kentucky-bourbon-barrels.png\" alt=\"Kelvin Cooperage logo\" class=\"wp-image-3141\" style=\"width:220px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kelvin-cooperage-logo-kentucky-bourbon-barrels.png 919w, https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kelvin-cooperage-logo-kentucky-bourbon-barrels-269x300.png 269w, https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kelvin-cooperage-logo-kentucky-bourbon-barrels-768x856.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 919px) 100vw, 919px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kelvin Cooperage produces Kentucky white oak barrels used by whiskey distilleries.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"lexington-legacy-tasting-notes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Official Tasting Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Promotional materials for The Lexington Legacy describe a profile that combines traditional bourbon sweetness with fruit, oak and herbal character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-bb451ce7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:26px;margin-bottom:14px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a4ecdaa3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#e1d5c4;border-width:1px;border-radius:14px;background-color:#f8f4ed;padding-top:22px;padding-right:18px;padding-bottom:22px;padding-left:18px\">\n<h3 id=\"caramel-vanilla\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.391), 19px);\">Caramel &amp; Vanilla<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-bottom:0\">The familiar sweet foundation expected from mature Kentucky bourbon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a4ecdaa3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#e1d5c4;border-width:1px;border-radius:14px;background-color:#f8f4ed;padding-top:22px;padding-right:18px;padding-bottom:22px;padding-left:18px\">\n<h3 id=\"aged-oak\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.391), 19px);\">Aged Oak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-bottom:0\">Seasoned barrel character reflecting five years of maturation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a4ecdaa3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#e1d5c4;border-width:1px;border-radius:14px;background-color:#f8f4ed;padding-top:22px;padding-right:18px;padding-bottom:22px;padding-left:18px\">\n<h3 id=\"herbal-tea\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.391), 19px);\">Herbal Tea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-bottom:0\">An herbal layer that complements the bourbon\u2019s unusually high rye content.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3a9d90f0 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:36px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a4ecdaa3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#e1d5c4;border-width:1px;border-radius:14px;background-color:#f8f4ed;padding-top:22px;padding-right:18px;padding-bottom:22px;padding-left:18px\">\n<h3 id=\"mixed-berry\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.391), 19px);\">Mixed Berry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-bottom:0\">A darker fruit note adding contrast to the caramel and oak.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a4ecdaa3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#e1d5c4;border-width:1px;border-radius:14px;background-color:#f8f4ed;padding-top:22px;padding-right:18px;padding-bottom:22px;padding-left:18px\">\n<h3 id=\"light-orchard-fruit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.391), 19px);\">Light Orchard Fruit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-bottom:0\">A brighter fruit component that helps lift the overall profile.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At 107.8 proof, the release offers substantial concentration without reaching the intensity of many modern bourbons bottled at 120 proof or higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"lexington-legacy-availability\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:42px\">An Arkansas and Memphis Bourbon Collaboration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lexington Legacy connects an Arkansas bourbon community with one of Memphis\u2019 best-known liquor retailers. The Bourbon Legends is based in Conway, while Buster\u2019s Liquors &amp; Wines operates in Memphis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e6dd5290 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:16px;color:#ffffff;background-color:#201814;margin-top:26px;margin-bottom:24px;padding-top:28px;padding-right:28px;padding-bottom:28px;padding-left:28px\">\n<h3 id=\"advertised-pricing-at-the-time-of-announcement\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:18px\">Advertised Pricing at the Time of Announcement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-32b77e1f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#d6ae63;margin-bottom:4px;font-size:clamp(17.905px, 1.119rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.789), 28px);font-weight:700\">$59.99<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Bottle coordinated for Central Arkansas<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#d6ae63;margin-bottom:4px;font-size:clamp(17.905px, 1.119rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.789), 28px);font-weight:700\">$75<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Advertised alternate option for one bottle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#d6ae63;margin-bottom:4px;font-size:clamp(17.905px, 1.119rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.789), 28px);font-weight:700\">$140<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Advertised alternate option for two bottles<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-830131e9 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#e0bd69;border-width:1px;border-radius:12px;background-color:#fff6df;margin-bottom:42px;padding-top:20px;padding-right:22px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:22px\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Availability notice:<\/strong> Pricing, ordering deadlines, bottle limits and fulfillment options may change. Confirm current details directly with The Bourbon Legends or Buster\u2019s before purchasing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"a-distinctive-james-e-pepper-selection\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Distinctive James E. Pepper Selection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1d4d9e6b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#ddd1c1;border-width:1px;border-radius:16px;background-color:#f3eee6;margin-top:38px;margin-bottom:38px;padding-top:26px;padding-right:26px;padding-bottom:26px;padding-left:26px\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#875526;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.08em\">RELATED ARKANSASLIQUOR.COM COVERAGE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"james-e-pepper-butterscotch-bomb-decanter-pick\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:10px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/04\/james-e-pepper-butterscotch-bomb-decanter-pick\/\">James E. Pepper \u201cButterscotch Bomb\u201d Decanter Pick<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-bottom:0\">Read about another notable James E. Pepper barrel selection previously featured by ArkansasLiquor.com.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-is-the-lexington-legacy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is The Lexington Legacy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lexington Legacy is a five-year James E. Pepper Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey selected by The Bourbon Legends in collaboration with Buster\u2019s Liquors &amp; Wines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-strong-is-the-lexington-legacy-bourbon\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How strong is The Lexington Legacy bourbon?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The single-barrel bourbon is bottled at 107.8 proof, equivalent to 53.9% alcohol by volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-much-rye-is-in-the-mash-bill\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much rye is in the mash bill?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"where-was-the-barrel-selection-released\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where was the barrel selection released?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buster\u2019s Liquors &amp; Wines in Memphis is the retail partner, while The Bourbon Legends promoted arrangements intended to make bottles available to buyers in Central Arkansas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Bourbon Legends and Buster\u2019s have announced The Lexington Legacy, a five-year James E. Pepper single barrel bourbon featuring a 49% rye mash bill and a bottling proof of 107.8.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3145,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_gspb_post_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","wpai_generated_summary":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[135,136,153],"class_list":["post-3138","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-breaking","tag-hot","tag-thebourbonlegends"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":7}},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bourbon Legends James E. 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Pepper Single Barrel","description":"The Bourbon Legends and Buster\u2019s release The Lexington Legacy, a five-year James E. Pepper single barrel bourbon bottled at 107.8 proof.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/arkansasliquor.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/06\/bourbon-legends-james-e-pepper-single-barrel\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Bourbon Legends James E. Pepper Single Barrel","og_description":"The Bourbon Legends and Buster\u2019s release The Lexington Legacy, a five-year James E. 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