Editor’s Note: We received a review sample of this whiskey from the brand. However, in accordance with our editorial policies, this has not influenced the outcome of our review in any way.
For the last decade, the Blood Oath series from Luxco/Lux Row Distillers has been a whiskey playground for Lux Row Master Distiller and Master Blender John Rempe, allowing him to think outside the lines in putting together unique, one-off expressions. As Rempe puts it in general regarding this brand, “I have the luxury of not being tied down to one specific distillery for this brand. I have the ability to sample many of the finest bourbons available to make the perfect blend for each Blood Oath Pact.”
Key characteristics of Blood Oath include blending multiple aged American bourbons and finishing at least one of the component whiskeys in the mix in some type of other barrel besides new American oak. Past entries have included finishing in ex-Caribbean rum, ex-cognac, ex-Sauternes wine, and ex-Oloroso sherry casks.
What’s in the bottle
For Blood Oath Pact No. 10, the focus of this review, what you have blended up includes “two well-bred ryed bourbons and one finished bourbon.” Before mentioning the finishes, it should be noted here, in a seeming departure from previous years, that the bourbons do not have specific aging information (how many years in primary barrel) revealed by the brand. Why this is the case is not immediately apparent. It is mentioned, however, that this is “Kentucky Straight Bourbon,” so at least you can narrow down a bit the sourcing.
The finishing, meanwhile, is described as a “double finish” in that “the first finish was perfected in Cabernet Franc barrels” and “the second finish was refined in Merlot barrels.”
“We wanted to create something truly distinctive and unique to mark our 10th edition of Blood Oath and we did just that,” said Rempe at the time of this bourbon’s release. “For this offering I sourced three extraordinary bourbons that could be elevated even further through a double finish in Cabernet Franc and Merlot casks, and would ultimately deliver the kind of rich, fruit-forward notes and smooth drinking experience I wanted to achieve. It’s a superb blend and I’m excited to share it.”
Blood Oath Pact No. 10, bottled at 98.6 proof, is priced at $129.99 per 750 ml bottle.
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