Review of Lux Row Distlllers Small Batch Albariño Finish Bourbon (2025)

 

Albariño is a thick-skinned Spanish white grape grown on the Northern Atlantic coast of Spain. It makes up 90% of the total crop plantings in Rias Baixas. It is also grown in California, Washington, Oregon, and New Zealand, with climates similar to the Iberian Peninsula.

 

When macerated and pressed to create wine, Albariño creates a crisp, fruity wine with high acidity, citrus, stone fruits, and minerality. It is usually very dry and is said to pair well with seafood.

 

That brings us to Lux Row Distillers’ newest Bourbon called Small Batch Albariño Finish. It is a blend of two four-year Bourbons, one wheated and the other traditional. After the marriage, the whiskey spent six months in Albariño wine casks.  

 

“We wanted to combine the fruity citrus flavors of Albariño wine with the corn-influenced sweet notes of our wheated and ryed Bourbons. The outcome is a delicious combination of two opposing flavors that results in a truly unique expression.” – John Rempe, Lux Row Master Distiller

 

Packaged in 750mL bottles at 52.5% ABV (105°), Small Batch Albariño Finish is available at the distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, for $59.99.

 

Lux Row Distillers was kind enough to provide me with a sample of Small Batch Albariño Finish in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review. Let’s #DrinkCurious and discover what this Bourbon is all about!

 

Appearance: I used a Glencairn glass to sip this whiskey neat. The topaz-colored liquid generated a medium, jagged rim retaining sticky droplets. A curtain of crazed tears slowly fell to the pool.

 

Nose: From the moment I pulled the cork, there was no doubt this whiskey spent time in a wine cask. Mrs. Whiskeyfellow is a cork dork, so I let her sniff it. She thought it was lovely.

 

After allowing the Bourbon to rest for 15 minutes, I evaluated the aroma. I smelled green grapes, limes, apricots, and peaches. There were hints of oak and cinnamon as well. Drawing the vapor into my mouth allowed me to experience lemon and lime zests.

 

Palate: I encountered a slick, dense texture as I took my first sip. I tasted rich caramel, lime zest, and lemon peel on the front. The middle offered flavors of cantaloupes, apricots, and limestone. Dry oak, cinnamon, and old leather were on the back.

 

Finish: My hard palate began tingling, and the Bourbon suddenly became a spice bomb. Cinnamon, rye spice, dry oak, freshly cracked black pepper, and clove were there. It ramped so quickly that I was utterly unprepared. When all of that ended, I could still taste the lime zest and leather (it was unusual). The duration lasted 1:34, making it medium-long.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: I’m always on the lookout for whiskeys that aren’t me-too drinks. I can safely state that Small Batch Albariño Finish is unlike any I’ve experienced until now. It started so sweet, then citrusy, sweet again, and then that explosion of warm spices. Yet, this was well-balanced, and things seemed to fall into place.

 

Small Batch Albariño Finish drank a handful of points above its stated proof, as evidenced by how quickly it numbed my mouth. I enjoyed everything from beginning to end, and the price was reasonable.

 

If you’re looking for a Bourbon-drinker’s Bourbon, this may not be for you. If you’re adventurous and looking for something off the beaten path, Small Batch Albariño Finish will jazz you up. I’m in that latter category, and I believe it has more than earned my Bottle rating. 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.