The Pepper family brand dates to 1780 and was once among Kentucky's most famous whiskey houses before the Lexington plant closed mid-20th century. Entrepreneur Ari Sussman revived the brand (2008+) and rebuilt distillation on the historic DSP-KY-5 site in Lexington's Distillery District, filling barrels again from 2017. The portfolio spans sourced high-rye 1776 bottlings that kept the name alive and newer Lexington-distilled barrel-proof stocks using long-seasoned Kentucky oak and the historic limestone well.