Blood Oath Pact No. 10 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Finished in Cabernet Franc & Merlot casks
49.3% ABV
$130
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We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.
What the Blender Says
Lux Row Master Distiller and Master Blender John Rempe marks a decade of distinction – and secrecy – as he renews his annual pact with bourbon drinkers by releasing Blood Oath Pact 10 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey double finished in Cabernet Franc and Merlot casks. A limited supply of 17,000 (3-in) cases will arrive at retail this month at a suggested price of $129.99 per 750 ml bottle. As with all of Rempe’s pacts, Blood Oath Pact 10 is offered at 98.6 proof (49.3% ABV).
Blood Oath Pact 10 combines some of the finest rare bourbons Rempe could find, including two well-bred ryed bourbons and one finished bourbon each complementing the others. In honor of Blood Oath’s double-digit age milestone, Rempe achieved a double finish for this year’s special, secret blend. The first finish was perfected in Cabernet Franc barrels, imbuing rich flavors of tart raspberries and black pepper. The second finish was refined in Merlot barrels, instilling the tastes of red stone fruits with undertones of vanilla, cocoa and anise. The result is a delicious and distinctive pour.
For a decade Rempe has sought out famous and forgotten rare bourbons and bottled them in combinations for his limited-release Blood Oath Pacts. Not to cater to anyone’s loyalties, he has sworn to never reveal where he finds his bourbon, but only promises to choose and make the best he knows.
“We wanted to create something truly distinctive and unique to mark our 10th edition of Blood Oath and we did just that,” said Rempe. “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.”
Lux Row only releases one new Blood Oath Pact annually, and each limited edition features a distinct and thoughtfully designed label. This year, a black label with striking silver highlights adorns the Blood Oath Pact 10 bottle. And like its predecessors, each bottle of Blood Oath Pact 10 comes in a commemorative fire-branded wooden display box.
The official launch of Blood Oath Pact 10 will include a total allocation of 51,000 bottles, 1,400 of which will be held for a future Trilogy release. The first Trilogy featuring Pacts 1, 2 and 3, was released in 2018, and the second Trilogy featuring Pacts 4, 5 and 6, was released in September 2021 in conjunction with National Bourbon Heritage Month. The next Blood Oath Trilogy, featuring Pacts 7, 8 and 9, will be offered later this year.
TASTING NOTES
AROMA: Sweet fruit with hints of oak.
PALATE: Rich caramel with flavors of tart raspberries and black pepper.
FINISH: Distinct notes of red stone fruits with undertones of vanilla and cocoa.
What Gary Says
Nose: Fruity with berries, nectarines, caramel, nutty note, cigar paper, oak and dark chocolate.
Palate: Thick mouthfeel, load of fruit including raspberries, plums, apricots and black cherry, honey, vanilla, dark chocolate, nutmeg, anise and a hint of root beer.
Finish: Long and syrupy with raspberry, honey and oak.
Comments: This is my favorite Blood Oath to date; complex, layered, nuanced, balanced, and all-around delicious! The finishes bring a ton of fruit to the party, but don’t overpower the bourbon spirit. This drinks lovely neat, but adding a few drops of water brightens the fruit notes on the nose, leaning more into a citrus vibe. I love the versatility of this bourbon – it is one that I could sit and ponder, nosing for hours over a long quiet evening. Or just sip while enjoying good company, and great whiskey!