Rye grain | Ripe berries | Stone fruits | Oak | Light honey & vanilla

Honey | Juicy berries | Rye spice | White peppercorn | Touch of dry oak | Silky mouthfeel

Vanilla powder | Gentle rye spice | Dry oak | Hint of leather | Faint stone fruits | Subtle

Blood Oath marks a decade of releases thanks to Pact No. 10. As per other releases, the brand never conveys the exact blend of the whiskeys involved, just the high level information. In Pact No. 10’s case, Lux Row Master Distiller and Master Blender John Rempe used Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey double finished in Cabernet Franc and Merlot casks. According to Rempe, “he has sworn to never reveal where he finds his bourbon, but only promises to choose and make the best he knows.” This release consisted of 51,000 bottles.

The influence of the double-finished wine barrels is evident right from the get-go, with ripe berries and stone fruits wafting out of the glass. These scents are joined with rye grain and oak resting on top of a light layer of honey and vanilla that adds a subtle sweetness to kick things off. The sweetness carries over with honey and prominent juicy berries mingling with rye spice and white peppercorn to add a pleasing combination that is delivered with a satisfying silky mouthfeel. The whiskey ends on additional pleasing gentle and subtle notes which allows it to quietly round things out versus going out in a bold fashion. Overall, this is a really well-done blend of finished bourbons and a nice addition to the Blood Oath lineage.