Lux Row Distillers’ Blood Oath Pact 9
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Arrives at Retail
Lux Row master distiller and master blender John Rempe renews his annual pact with bourbon drinkers with the release of Blood Oath Pact 9 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Oloroso Sherry casks. A limited supply of 17,000 (3-pack) cases will arrive at retail with a suggested price of $129.99 per 750 ml bottle. As with all of Rempe’s pacts, Blood Oath Pact 9 is offered at 98.6 proof (49.3% ABV).
Blood Oath Pact 9 combines extra-aged bourbons, including a 16-year ryed bourbon and a 12-year ryed bourbon, as well as a 7-year ryed bourbon finished in Oloroso Sherry casks from the Sherry Triangle region in southwest Spain. These casks impart unique woody and ripe-fruit aromas and flavors to make Blood Oath Pact 9 a memorable pour.
“Blood Oath Pact 9 contains three great bourbons, and the Oloroso Sherry cask finish has resulted in a deep, dark amber liquid with long legs,” said Rempe. “The Oloroso Sherry casks also bring out tasting notes of sweet sherry with hints of ripe fruit on the nose, as well as flavor notes highlighted by ripe fruits including figs, plums and raisins, with notes of molasses, chocolate and tobacco. This bourbon also provides a long-lasting finish characterized by fruit notes and complemented by hints of spicy oak. I’m proud to share Blood Oath Pact 9 with bourbon lovers.”
Each Blood Oath pact has featured a different colored label. This year, Blood Oath Pact 9 features a label that is deep crimson in color. And like its predecessors, each bottle of Blood Oath Pact 9 comes in a commemorative fire-branded wooden display box.
The official launch of Blood Oath Pact 9 will include a total allocation of 5,100 bottles, 1,400 of which will be held for a future Trilogy Pack release. The first Trilogy Pack, featuring Pacts 1, 2 and 3, was released in 2018, and the second Trilogy Pack, featuring Pacts 4, 5 and 6, was released in September 2021 in conjunction with National Bourbon Heritage Month. The next Blood Oath Trilogy Pack, featuring Pacts 7, 8 and 9, will be offered in 2024.
Michter’s addresses shortages with capacity investments,
announces new release of 10-year rye
As Michter’s continues to face inventory constraints due to strong demand, the company is taking steps to expand capacity responsibly. In recent years, Michter’s has grown fermentation capacity by adding six 18,000-gallon fermenters made by Louisville-based Vendome Copper & Brass Works. In late 2022, Michter’s transitioned its core Shively distillery to a 24/7 operation. Additionally, Michter’s has made significant investments in its bottling operations. The company went live with new bottling equipment in January 2023 in order to bring more great whiskey to market.
While thoughtfully expanding production over the years, Michter’s remains determined to maintain its high quality and, if anything, improve it. “Our goal is to make the greatest American whiskey,” said Master Distiller Dan McKee. “We would love to be able to offer more of it, but we simply won’t do so until the whiskey is ready at the standard our loyal Michter’s drinkers expect. I do think that we have some good news to share in that respect, which is why I am so happy to introduce the 2023 release of Michter’s 10 Year Rye.”
While all types of Michter’s continue to be allocated, the distillery is releasing 10 Year Rye for the first time since July 2022. A Kentucky style rye with a good amount of corn and malted barley in the mashbill, Michter’s 10 Year Rye has a suggested U.S. retail price of $200 per 750ml bottle.
Introducing Lipton Hard Iced Tea
To coincide with National Tea Day, a new hard iced tea, bound to delight tea lovers everywhere, is entering the market. Made with real brewed Lipton tea, natural fruit flavors and a triple-filtered, premium malt base, Lipton Hard Iced Tea takes America’s favorite tea and reimagines it as a 5% ABV non-carbonated product. Lipton Hard Iced Tea is launching in four just-sweet-enough flavors that are inspired by Lipton tea fan favorites: Lemon, Peach, Half & Half and Strawberry.
“Lipton Hard Iced Tea is what you want hard iced tea to taste like,” said Lisa Texido, Brand Director for Lipton Hard Iced Tea. “We created the recipe to make sure that the smooth, balanced flavor people love about Lipton iced tea really came through. I think people will be surprised that a hard iced tea can be this delicious – it’s a must-try.”
Find all four flavors in a 12-can variety pack or grab a single-serve 24oz can of Lemon or Peach. Lipton Hard Iced Tea is available at national and local retailers and convenience stores in select states.
Hops & Spirits 