I mean there is not much to say, doesn’t everybody like a nice wooden box with their bourbon? I know, the box has nothing to do with what is actually in the bottle, but advertising works! That aside, I have enjoyed the last few releases of this bottle from Lux Row, and do look forward to finding these each year, if at a reasonable price. Today’s review comes from Lux Row Distillers and is Blood Oath Pact No. 9.

Bottle Information

From the Blood Oath website: A masterful union of three well-bred ryed bourbons. One, an oaky 16-year-old. Two, a luscious 12-year-old. And three, a 7-year-old finished in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks which carries the aroma of sweet sherry while satiating the palate with dark fruit, molasses, chocolate and tobacco.

• Distiller: Bottled for Lux Row Distillers
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed
• Proof: 98.6
• Age: 7, 12, 16 Years Old
• Year: 2023
• MSRP: $129
• 2024 National Average: $195
• Official Website

I was very surprised last year to find this 2023 release at one of my local stores for slightly above MSRP, as this has not been the norm with past releases. Pact No. 9 seemed more relatively available in NoCo this bourbon season, however like most limited releases, the purchase price on this bottle ranged from $139 to $399; and the upper ones can still be found on the shelves today. Overall, If you like sherry, this is a solid bourbon with great sherry influence. Please note that the sherry is not overpowering in any way as the classic bourbon profile of vanilla, brown sugar, and rye sign beautifully and mingles wonderfully with the influences from the sherry cask. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Plum, Cherry, and Slight Oak
• Palate: Brown Sugar, Rye Spice, Dark Chocolate, Cherry, Sherry, Vanilla, and Rye Spice
• Finish: Short to Medium with Sweet Fruity Notes of Sherry, Fig, Cherry, and Oak
• My Rating: Drink It! (If You Like Sherry, This is a Solid Bourbon with Great Sherry Influence)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™