Jesse James The Outlaw Bourbon 1.75L

Jesse James The Outlaw Bourbon 1.75L is a charcoal-mellowed Kentucky bourbon bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a generous handle format. This expression earned a Bronze Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and draws its name from Jesse James Dupree, frontman of the Southern rock band Jackyl, rather than the infamous 19th-century outlaw.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Aged Minimum 36 Months  |  Producer: LeVecke Corporation

Production & Heritage

Jesse James The Outlaw Bourbon uses Kentucky-sourced distillate made from a corn-forward mashbill meeting the legal bourbon minimum of 51% corn. The liquid undergoes an old-time charcoal mellowing process before aging for a minimum of 36 months in charred new oak barrels — a step that distinguishes it from bourbons that skip charcoal filtration entirely. LeVecke Corporation in California handles blending and bottling, while the bourbon character itself is rooted in Kentucky tradition. The brand leans into its rock-and-roll identity, positioning itself as an approachable, everyday bourbon with outlaw spirit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm baked apple leads the nose, followed by cinnamon spice and a gentle undercurrent of toasted oak. The charcoal mellowing contributes a clean, slightly smoky backdrop that keeps the aromatics balanced.

Taste: The entry is soft and corn-sweet, quickly giving way to prominent wood tones at mid-palate. Cinnamon and baking spice build steadily, supported by a full-bodied texture that carries traces of caramel and vanilla from the charred oak aging.

Finish: Medium in length with a distinct kick of black pepper that emerges on the tail end. Lingering oak and a dry, pleasantly warm sensation round out the experience.

How to Drink The Outlaw Bourbon

At 80 proof, this bourbon works well neat or over a single large ice cube, where the charcoal-mellowed smoothness comes through clearly. The 1.75L format makes it a practical choice for mixed drinks and batch cocktails. Try it in a Bourbon Highball — the baked apple and cinnamon notes pair naturally with ginger ale. It holds up in a Whiskey Sour, where the oak backbone stands against fresh citrus. A simple Old Fashioned with a dash of Angostura bitters draws out the caramel and pepper character.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar for regular bourbon mixing and entertaining
• Tailgating, cookouts, and casual outdoor gatherings with friends
• Batch cocktail prep for parties where value matters
• Bourbon drinkers exploring charcoal-mellowed expressions at an accessible price point

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Outlaw Bourbon taste like? It delivers warm baked apple and cinnamon on the nose, a wood-forward palate with caramel undertones, and a peppery finish with lingering oak. The charcoal mellowing gives it a noticeably smooth, clean character for an 80-proof bourbon.

How does The Outlaw Bourbon compare to Tin Cup? Both are approachable, moderately priced bourbons sourced from established distilling regions and bottled at 80 proof. The Outlaw leans more heavily on charcoal mellowing for smoothness, while Tin Cup — sourced from MGP in Indiana — tends toward a slightly spicier, rye-accented profile.

Is The Outlaw Bourbon good for cocktails? Yes — the 80-proof strength and smooth, wood-driven profile blend easily into classic bourbon cocktails without overwhelming other ingredients. The 1.75L handle size is especially practical for frequent mixing.

Where is The Outlaw Bourbon made? The bourbon distillate is sourced from Kentucky, meeting all federal requirements for straight bourbon production. Blending and bottling are handled by LeVecke Corporation in California.

What foods pair well with The Outlaw Bourbon? Smoked pork ribs complement the charcoal-mellowed character. Sharp cheddar cheese highlights the oak and caramel notes. Pecan pie echoes the baked apple sweetness. Grilled corn on the cob mirrors the corn-forward grain profile. Dark chocolate with sea salt draws out the peppery finish.

What sizes does The Outlaw Bourbon come in? The expression is commonly available in a 1.75L handle and a standard 750ml bottle.

Is The Outlaw Bourbon worth the price? The Outlaw positions itself as a value-tier bourbon aimed at everyday drinking and mixing rather than special-occasion sipping. For drinkers who want a smooth, straightforward bourbon in a large-format bottle, it delivers solid quality relative to its price tier.

Why The Outlaw Bourbon?

The charcoal mellowing step — a technique more commonly associated with Tennessee whiskey — sets this Kentucky bourbon apart from many competitors in its price range, contributing a cleaner, softer profile than typical value bourbons. Its Bronze Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition confirms baseline quality in a competitive field. The 36-month minimum age statement provides more transparency than many budget bourbons offer, and the 1.75L format delivers genuine everyday utility. For anyone building a reliable bar without overspending, this handle-sized bourbon earns its shelf space through drinkability and versatility rather than hype.