Pact No. 4 is the 2018 release in Lux Row's annual Blood Oath series, and looking back it is the last of the straightforward ones. Where later Pacts chased increasingly experimental finishes through rum, cognac, sherry and tequila casks, Pact 4 is a pure study in oak. Master blender John Rempe built it from three Kentucky straight bourbons: an extra aged twelve year old bringing deep oak undertones and a mellow finish, a rich ten year old supplying caramel and honey, and a nine year old that is the only component given a secondary maturation, spending seven months in toasted bourbon barrels. That distinction is the whole design. Charring a barrel caramelises the wood sugars aggressively; gently toasting one instead coaxes out deeper chocolate, vanilla and baking spice without the harshness, and running only one third of the blend through toasted wood keeps that influence present but never overbearing. The result opens on a strong oak nose with caramelised brown sugar, dark honey and vanilla custard, moves through toasted marshmallow and sweet tobacco leaf, and lands on a palate of rich toffee, maple and cinnamon with dark chocolate underneath. It finishes with a burst of robust spice that smooths out into lasting caramel, vanilla and oak. Bottled at 49.3 percent alcohol by volume, the 98.6 proof every Pact shares, topped with a natural cork and carrying Rempe's signature. Production was capped at 12,000 three bottle cases, or 36,000 bottles, and it ships in a commemorative stained wooden box chosen to echo the toasted barrels used in the finish. Never to be made again, per the label.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
49.3% |
| Proof |
98.6 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Producer |
Lux Row Distillers, Bardstown, Kentucky |
| Master Distiller |
John Rempe |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Expression |
Blood Oath Pact No. 4 |
| Release Year |
2018 (MMXVIII) |
| Age |
Blend of 12 year, 10 year and 9 year bourbons |
| Finish |
Toasted bourbon barrels, seven months, applied to the 9 year component only |
| Release Size |
12,000 three bottle cases, 36,000 bottles |
| Closure |
Natural cork |
| Packaging |
Commemorative stained wooden box |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep rich amber.
Nose: Strong oak leads, with caramelised brown sugar, dark honey and vanilla custard, plus sweet tobacco leaf, toasted marshmallow and a charred wood sweetness.
Palate: Smooth, oily and full bodied. Rich toffee and maple syrup carry cinnamon and nutmeg, with dark chocolate and warm wood spice through the middle.
Finish: Robust spice giving way to an ultra smooth close, with lasting caramel, vanilla and oak.
FAQ
Q: What is a toasted barrel finish?
A: Rather than charring, the barrel is gently heated, which draws out deeper chocolate, vanilla and spice notes without the harsher edge charring produces. Only the nine year old component was finished this way, for seven months.
Q: Will Pact No. 4 be made again?
A: No. Every Blood Oath Pact is a one time blend released once and never repeated.
Q: How many bottles were made?
A: 12,000 three bottle cases, which is 36,000 bottles.
Q: Does it include the wooden box?
A: Pact No. 4 shipped in a commemorative stained wooden box chosen to reflect the toasted barrels used in the finish. Confirm the box is included, as it affects value on a discontinued release.
Q: How does it differ from later Pacts?
A: Pact 4 is a pure oak study. Later releases used rum, cognac, sherry and tequila casks, but this one relies entirely on toasted and charred oak.
Q: Where can I buy Blood Oath Pact No. 4 online?
A: Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
