A
handful of annual-release whiskeys out there have me longing to see what the
next brings. I don’t mean the standard-bearers out there that’s pretty much the
same whiskey year after year, just offered at varying proofs. Instead, I’m
talking about the ones you never know what to expect because something
different is done each time.
One
such whiskey is Blood
Oath Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Lux Row Distillers produces this whiskey under the creative mind of
Master Distiller and Master Blender John
Rempe. Each release is called a Pact.
The 2024 edition is Blood
Oath Pact 10.
“We wanted to create something truly distinctive and unique to mark our 10th edition of Boat Oath, and we did just that. 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.” – John Rempe
While
Pact 10 carries no age statement, Rempe suggested it included two well-bred
ryed Bourbons and one finished Bourbon. Each was supposed to complement one
another. Rempe tries to keep the source of these whiskeys close to his vest –
as he has done with each of the previous Pacts.
The
first finish was in Cabernet Franc wine barrels, and the second in Merlot
barrels. Cabernet Franc is a red wine pressed from one of the most
common black grapes in the world. Cabernet Franc wines are known for tasting of
cherries, strawberries, and raspberries, followed by tomatoes, herbs, and bell
peppers.
Merlot comes from a hybrid of the Cabernet Franc grape and
a then-uncommon grape known as Madeleine Noire des Charente. Its typical
flavors include blackberries, chocolate, and plums, followed by tobacco and
mocha.
After
blending, the concoction is bottled at 49.3% ABV (98.6°). Every Pact is
packaged at that specific proof; it is the temperature of human blood! A nationwide
release of 51,000 – 750ml bottles hit store shelves this month, with a $129.99
suggested retail price.
How
does this year’s Pact hold up? To answer that, we have to #DrinkCurious, but before
we get there, I must thank Lux Row Distillers for providing me with a sample in
exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.
Appearance: I used
a Glencairn glass to sip this Bourbon neat. The brilliant orange liquid generated
a thick rim that discharged bold, slow tears.
Nose: As I let
the whiskey breathe, the smell of ripe berries permeated my nostrils. I allowed
myself to get lost in the experience for several minutes before bringing the
glass to my nose. Once that happened, I found strawberries, cherries,
blackberries, and vanilla. There was vanilla and the slightest hint of oak when
I dug deeper. Blueberries danced across my tongue when I pulled the air into my
mouth.
Palate: Pact 10’s
texture was incredibly thin and light. Yet, it was full of flavors. The front consisted
of oak, tobacco leaf, and chocolate. I tasted vanilla, strawberries, and a kiss
of mint at mid-palate. The back featured fresh-cracked black pepper, cocoa, and
cherries.
Finish: My
initial sip suggested a quick finish. However, further exploration demonstrated
it was medium-long in duration. There were plenty of cherries, plums, strawberries,
and blackberries. Everything ended with black pepper and tobacco leaf.
Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Using
two wine casks to finish a Bourbon is unique, or at least it is to me. It wasn’t
overly Bourbonesque, but it was definitely whiskey. I don’t recall
exploring anything like it, which scores big points in my evaluation. Add to
that how easy this was to sip – it drank several points below the stated proof.
I can imagine how this would not only appeal to whiskey drinkers but possibly wine
fans as well. I’m happy to have it in my whiskey library; you’ll want to buy a Bottle
for yourself. Cheers!
My Simple, Easy-to-Understand
Rating System
- Bottle = Buy It
- Bar = Try It
- Bust = Leave It
Whiskeyfellow encourages
you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you to do so responsibly.
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