The updated aesthetic arrives more than a decade after the brand’s 2012 relaunch, serving as a nod to the distillery’s deep-seated connection to the American Revolution. Owner Amir Peay noted that the milestone year provided a natural opportunity to modernize the labels that have defined the portfolio for years. Despite the visual shift, the liquid remains tied to historic standards, with production occurring at the restored Lexington facility, DSP-KY-5.

Both spirits continue to earn industry recognition, underscored by a Platinum Medal for the 1776 Rye and a Gold Medal for the 1776 Bourbon at the 2026 Ascot Awards. The rye is crafted from a 100% rye mash bill, whereas the bourbon utilizes a mixture of 70% corn, 18% rye, and 12% malted barley. Retailing at $30, the bottles reflect a lineage that dates back to Colonel James E. Pepper’s grandfather, Elijah Pepper. The distillery, originally established in 1880 and shuttered for half a century, resumed operations in 2017 using the original pre-1967 production recipes.