Stands Out

Blood Oath Pact No. 11

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Blood Oath Pact No. 11 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Finished in Añejo Tequila Barrels

49.3% ABV
$130
Website
Blood Oath Pact 11 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Añejo Tequila Barrels
We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.

What the Blender Says

Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller and Master Blender John Rempe renews his annual pact with bourbon drinkers by releasing Blood Oath Pact 11 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Añejo Tequila Barrels. This year’s secret blend features a union of two well-bred bourbons – a 14-year ryed and a 10-year wheated – blended with an impressive 7-year ryed which was finished in barrels that held Añejo tequila. As with all of Rempe’s pacts, Blood Oath Pact 11 is offered at 98.6 proof (49.3% ABV).

Blood Oath Pact 11 will be available for in-person purchase while quantities last starting at 9:30 a.m. on April 26 at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky. Purchases are limited to one bottle of Blood Oath Pact 11 per purchaser, and no bottles will be held or shipped. Special snacks and sampling opportunities will be available for visitors enjoying the day at the distillery. For fans who are unable to visit in person, a limited supply of 17,000 (3-in) cases of Blood Oath Pact 11 will start arriving at retail in April at a minimum suggested retail price of $129.99 per 750 mL bottle.

Blood Oath Pact 11 combines three of the finest rare bourbons Rempe could find. The blend is elevated further by the Añejo-barrel finish which lends a distinctive complexity and richness to the pour.

“The tasting experience for Blood Oath Pact 11 begins with the warmth of vanilla and black pepper, sweetly infused with spice and oak,” said Rempe. “From there, notes of cherry and citrus subtly emerge, guiding towards a velvety finish highlighted by black cherry and decadent dark chocolate. It’s a gorgeous expression that’s sure to surprise and please bourbon and tequila drinkers alike.”

Although Rempe doesn’t reveal which famous bourbons were used for the Pact 11 blend, it’s no secret his appreciation for aged tequilas helped shape this year’s offering.

“Añejo tequila has delicious and rich notes due to its aging in bourbon barrels,” said Rempe. “By utilizing the Añejo barrels for this year’s Pact 11, we brought our bourbon full circle while picking up all of the best attributes and flavor notes along the way.”

Lux Row only releases one new Blood Oath Pact annually, and each limited edition features a distinctive label on an embossed glass bottle. This year, a mahogany-colored label with gold highlights adorns the Blood Oath Pact 11 bottle. And like its predecessors, each bottle of Blood Oath Pact 11 comes in a commemorative fire-branded wooden display box.

The official launch of Blood Oath Pact 11 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; the second Trilogy featuring Pacts 4, 5 and 6, was released in September 2021 in conjunction with National Bourbon Heritage Month; and the third Blood Oath Trilogy, featuring Pacts 7, 8 and 9, was offered in 2023.

For more information or to find a bottle of Blood Oath Pact 11 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Añejo Tequila Barrels visit LuxRowDistillers.com.

What Gary Says

Nose: Vanilla, grilled corn, orange zest, honey with a vegetal note.
Palate: Vanilla, cracked pepper, chili oil, lime, grapefruit and a bit of milk chocolate.
Finish: Moderate in length, drying with vegetal notes.
Comments: The tequila influence is apparent, and while not overwhelming it does seem to mask the caramel notes one would typically associate with bourbon – especially bourbon with this much age (although not clear how much of the mix the 14 year and 10 year bourbons make up, but even 7 years old isn’t young!) I’m not particularly a big fan of tequila, and while this wasn’t objectionable necessarily it did leave me wanting for more of that caramel I enjoy in bourbon. The grilled corn and vegetal notes are interesting, and definitely something I associate more with tequila.

Rating: Stands Out

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Yellowstone Small Batch 107

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Yellowstone Small Batch 107
6 Years Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

53.5% ABV
$45
Website
Yellowstone Small Batch 107 Six Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey
We would like to thank Limestone Branch and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.

What the Producer Says

Lebanon, Kentucky-based Yellowstone Bourbon announced the release of Small Batch 107, a new permanent addition to the Yellowstone family. The elevated expression pays homage to the brand’s history while featuring several firsts for the family lineup. Small Batch is aged six years and the only variety in the Yellowstone portfolio to feature an age statement on packaging.

Bottled at 107 proof, the expression is one of the highest proof everyday offerings from Yellowstone. Due to the high proof, Small Batch is non-chill filtered, which allows the depth of flavors to stand out in this bold new bourbon. Yellowstone Small Batch 107 is available nationwide starting this month at a minimum suggested retail price of $44.99 per 750mL bottle.

Yellowstone Bourbon is one of the few bourbon brands available with a strong history of tradition and 150 years of continuous sales. To honor Yellowstone’s heritage and values, seventh-generation Founder and Master Distiller Stephen Beam crafted Small Batch 107 with expert care. As one of the most experienced experts in the industry, Beam made deliberate choices from the six-year age statement to the 107 proof point and more to create a new release that achieves the ideal balance of flavor and depth.

“Yellowstone was the top selling whiskey in Kentucky in the 1960s, and at the time, it was bottled at six years old,” said Beam. “I wanted to bring back that tradition and offer a product with a clear age statement, and the perfect entry level proof point at 107. This is a long time coming. We’ve had great success with special finishes but never had an age-stated product before Small Batch.”

Together, Small Batch’s six-year age statement, 107 proof point and non-chill-filtering process result in a bold flavor experience that’s great neat or over ice, and stands up well in a cocktail. With notes of caramel and vanilla with hints of chocolate and oak on the nose, Small Batch features intensified flavors of caramel, oak, honey and Yellowstone’s signature rich cherry notes.

“The higher proof brings out more flavors, and by non-chill filtering Small Batch we created a much more full-bodied product than a lower-proof chill filtered bourbon,” said Beam. “It’s the perfect addition to our family of offerings. Small Batch delivers on our heritage and tradition, bringing back memories of Yellowstone’s history, while also representing a natural progression in elevating the portfolio.”

What Gary Says

Nose: Salted caramel, chocolate, vanilla, raw walnuts and oak.
Palate: Rich mouthfeel, caramel, milk chocolate, honey, cinnamon, black cherry, pepper and a bit of cloves.
Finish: Moderately long and syrupy with chocolate covered cherries.
Comments: If there’s a ‘perfect proof point’ (short of barrel strength), 107 might be it. This is delicious, and the non-chill filtration really shines through in both the mouthfeel and the finish. While delicious neat, this opens up nicely with just a few drops of water bringing out more cherry and a slight citrus note on the nose, and bringing the chocolate forward, bending towards toffee (and a touch of baked apples). Honestly not sure which I prefer! A well balanced pour that I look forward to enjoying all spring (if it lasts that long!)

Rating: Stand Out/Must Try

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High West Bourye 2025

/ / Bourbon, Other Whisk(e)ys, Review, Rye Whiskey / ,

High West Bourye 2025
Blend of Straight Whiskeys

46% ABV
$125
Website
High West Bourye
We would like to thank High West Whiskey and lippe taylor for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

Legend has it, the only way to catch a glimpse of the cunning and elusive jackalope is to enjoy a glass of a truly incredible whiskey. That’s why we made Bourye®, a cross between bourbon whiskey and rye whiskey (Bourbon + Rye = Bourye) that—like the jackalope itself—is unique, mysterious, and gone in a flash. All whiskeys in this carefully crafted, limited-release blend are a minimum of ten years old. Overflowing with rich flavors of orange crème anglaise drizzled over dark chocolate ginger cake, with notes of espresso on the finish, Bourye® is sure to attract even the most discerning of jackalopes.

All whiskeys in this carefully crafted blend are a minimum of 10 years old and sourced from multiple distilleries. See highwest.com for technical details and sourcing, that’s not a secret. However, the proportions are! Bourye® is best enjoyed around a campfire while looking at the Milky Way.

Mash bill Details
Straight Rye Whiskey: 95% rye, 5% barley malt from MGP; 80% rye, 20% malted rye from HWD
Straight Bourbon Whiskey: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% barley malt from MGP; 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley from MGP; 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley from KY
Filtration: No Chill filtration, no flavor added

Sensory Notes
Nose: Honeycrisp apples, caramelized peaches, homemade waffles with honey butter, bergamot, toasted almonds, sandalwood, wooden chest filled with dark chocolate truffles
Taste: Maple glazed doughnut, salted crème brûlée, candied orange peel, chicory, English breakfast tea, ginger chews, seasoned oak
Finish: Fresh yellow nectarines with a softly building rye spice
Bourye® is best enjoyed around a campfire while looking at the Milky Way. Sip straight or with a little water. Not recommended with ice.

What Gary Says

Nose: Baked apple crisp, vanilla, oak, cedar, hint of maple syrup, chocolate, almonds and blood orange zest.
Palate: Salted caramel, chocolate orange, toffee, ginger snap cookies, cinnamon with a bit of oak.
Finish: Moderate in length with peaches, caramel and rye spice.
Comments: I’ve been a long-time fan of High West Bourye since I first reviewed it almost 9 years ago to the day.  Sadly I don’t have any from that far back, when I did happen to have bottles from 2024 and 2017 that I pulled out for comparison purposes. Insanely similar to last year’s batch, and pretty darn similar to 2017.  All that said – this is a really nice whiskey, giving you the best of the sweetness of bourbon with some spice from the rye.  You may wonder – is this different from simply a ‘high-rye bourbon’?  Short answer – yes.  It has some pretty high-rye bourbon in the mashbill (or blend-bill?) but it definitely has different characteristics.  And whiskey enthusiasts are well aware that even IDENTICAL mashbills can produce very different whiskies based on where they age and for how long. This is very well balanced pour, and while I’ve never enjoyed it around a campfire – it was delightful in the comfort of my own home!

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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JYPSI Tribute Double Barreled Bourbon

/ / Bourbon, Review /

JYPSI Tribute Double Barreled Bourbon
4 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey Blend

43% ABV
$45
Website
JYPSI Tribute Double Barreled Bourbon Whiskey
We would like to thank Outsiders Spirits and CHQ Media for sending us samples to review.

What the Producer Says

Whiskey JYPSI introduces Tribute Double Barreled Bourbon

A celebration of those you want to raise a glass to

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 5, 2025) – JYPSI Spirits announced the launch of its fourth whiskey today: Whiskey JYPSI Tribute Double Barreled Bourbon. Tribute is an 86-proof, straight bourbon whiskey aged a minimum of 4 years and double-barreled in new American Oak. Today’s Tribute release follows the prior introductions of the company’s industry-acclaimed and award-winning Legacy and Explorer whiskeys in 2023 and 2024.

“This is a whiskey with a price point and a flavor profile everybody can enjoy, but with the same high-quality approach we’ve taken with our other whiskeys. And that’s what we were looking for with Tribute,” says co-founder and music artist, Eric Church.

Whiskey JYPSI’s Tribute is priced at $44.99 and will be available online at shop.whiskeyjypsi.com and in select liquor stores.

Once the mash is distilled and aged at least four years in charred new American Oak barrels, Tribute then takes the extra step of proofing down its whiskey and re-barreling it for an additional 3 to 6 months – also in new American Oak. This gives Tribute its additional aromas of vanilla and caramel and a refined flavor most everyday bourbons cannot match – along with its deep, robust color. Tribute is then bottled at 86-proof for a rich, bold flavor with smooth drinkability.

What also makes the blend unique is the source of the grains. Whiskey JYPSI whiskey maker Ari Sussman said, “Instead of using commodity grains from large commercial farming operations for efficiency, the company contracted with small family farms willing to grow more flavorful, varietal-stated grains specifically intended for making whiskey. These sustainably raised grains for Tribute include a variety of the once-sacred Cherokee White Corn.”

Church added, “With Tribute, we’re also honoring and working with small communities and local farmers to make this whiskey… I’m from Appalachia, so I love the small-town and artisanal element. And it’s those points of differentiation that, to me, make a major difference with people who drink whiskey.”

“Typically, companies won’t do all this because it takes more time and costs more money,” said JYPSI Spirits co-founder and owner Raj Alva. “But if you’re committed to making a better bourbon, you not only use the best distilling and blending practices; you start with the very finest grains that make up that whiskey in the first place and go above and beyond conventional processes at every level of production. That’s what we did with Tribute.”

What Gary Says

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, sponge cake with a bit of maple syrup drizzle.
Palate: Round mouthfeel, caramel, toffee, vanilla, cocoa, bit of banana nut bread.
Finish: Moderate in length, damp with cocoa.
Comments: This is a very easy to drink dram, and different from other ‘double barrel’ bourbons out there. I’ve really enjoyed most of the ‘double barrel bourbon’ offerings. This one is different in that they proof it down before going into the second barrel, although I think they may have lost something in the process. It isn’t quite as intense as some others, but they weren’t shooting to be amongst the pack. Priced where it’s accessible to try.

Rating: Stands Out

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Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition
Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

46% ABV
$100
Website
Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

What the Distillery Says

Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is a single pot still Irish whiskey initially matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. The whiskey was then finished in Tawny Port casks for a number of years, adding a new dimension to the profile used in the expression. All of the whiskeys then completed their maturation journey by marrying in freshly seasoned tawny port hogsheads for a final maturation period of 14-25 months.

Nose: Sweet and warming confectionery notes of buttered pastry accompanied by aromas of caramelized almonds with subtle undertones of praline and dried cherry. Scented floral honey with whisperings of a delicate herbal character linger in the background while the seasoned oak and pot still spices accentuate the sweet and full-bodied nature of this wonderfully balanced whiskey.

Taste: Rich and nutty at first with notes of chocolate coated hazelnut and salted caramel, quickly followed with fresh plums and dried fig. The tannins’ soft presence works in harmony with the luscious and creamy texture, evoking notes of orange marmalade with delicate hints of toasted oak.

Finish: Lingering finish which sees the pot still spices and fruits slowly fading, leaving the tawny seasoned oak to have the last word.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Rich fruity malt with blood orange, currants, figs, honey, mincemeat pie (without the cloves).
Palate:  Creamy and fruity with orange, figs, caramel apple, nutmeg, honey and a hint of clove.
Finish:  Moderate in length with dark fruits and baking spices.
Comments:  Sometimes you find whiskies where the nose and the palate are quite different; one might even say the nose was misleading. That couldn’t be further from the truth with this dram – the two are very closely aligned. I’m a fan of Redbreast (the 12 year cask strength was the first Irish whiskey I really loved). I’m also a fan of port for finishing or maturation. Maybe the two of those combined had set my expectations too high, as I couldn’t fight off this feeling of disappointment. I mean – this is a really nice and very drinkable dram; just not as special as I had hoped it might be. Although to be fair, it isn’t priced as outrageously as others, so all in all, it balances out.

Rating: Stands Out

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