The 2017 release of Blood Oath is Luxco master blender John Rempe’s take on cask finishing. He used two traditionally-matured 7 and 12-year rye-dominant Bourbons and blended them with a second 7-year-old rye-dominant Bourbon finished in Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks from Swanson Vineyards in California’s Napa Valley.

The nose has notes of caramel, vanilla, gentle spices, and hints of red grapes, honey, and dark chocolate. The taste is spicy with black pepper and chili powder notes balanced by orange peel, caramel, vanilla, honey, red grapes, and a hint of molasses. The finish is long with subtle spices and a nice touch of dried fruits. Very nice! (July, 2017)