Blood Oath Pact 12: Lux Row’s Italian Wine Cask Finished Bourbon

ST. LOUIS [March 24, 2026] – Lux Row Master Distiller John Rempe has officially announced the latest installment in his celebrated annual series: Blood Oath Pact 12 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This year’s release pushes the boundaries of finishing by utilizing a rare combination of Montepulciano and Sangiovese casks.

The Art of the Blend

True to the “Pact” tradition, the exact mashbill remains a secret, but Pact 12 features a masterfully curated blend of ryed bourbons:

9-Year and 12-Year Ryed Bourbons: Providing a mature, spicy foundation.
7-Year Ryed Bourbon: Finished first in Montepulciano casks (Abruzzo region) for notes of black cherry and leather, followed by a secondary finish in Sangiovese casks (Tuscany region) for red fruit and herbal complexity.

Bottled at the series’ signature 98.6 proof (49.3% ABV), the result is a bourbon that balances traditional American oak with the sophisticated, dry fruit profiles of Italy’s most famous wine regions.

“I’m a fan of Italian wines’ flavor profiles and complexities, and I’m proud I was able to find the perfect combination for my first double Italian wine cask finish,” said John Rempe, Lux Row Master Distiller. “Although I won’t share the recipe, I can tell you the complexity and nuances that the Montepulciano and Sangiovese casks have brought to this year’s Blood Oath Pact are next level.”

Tasting Notes

Nose: Ripe red fruit, dried herbs, and a hint of sun-kissed tomato leaves.
Palate: Opening notes of stone fruit and caramel balanced with vanilla; mid-palate developments of cocoa, leather, and oak.
Finish: A long, pleasant spice accented by black cherry.

Availability & Pricing

Blood Oath Pact 12 will be available for in-person purchase at Lux Row Distillers starting April 25. A total allocation of 51,000 bottles (including 17,000 three-pack cases) will hit national retail in June. Each bottle is presented in the iconic fire-branded wooden display box with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $129.99.

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