Hannah’s Blood Oath Pact 7 Review
Original review written November 16, 2021
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Innovative, original, new, this is a dry, sweet, pour with character unique to others, and I am happy we have a bottle. I’m looking forward to my next pour, and am already lamenting when this bottle is inevitably emptied without a replacement waiting. 93/100
VITALS:
– Made In: Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Lux Row Distillers
– Classification: Special Finish Bourbon
– Age: nas (includes two 8 year rye bourbons and one 14 year old rye bourbon)
– Mash Bill: unpublished
– Casks: One of the 8 year old’s finished in Sauternes casks; undisclosed char
– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished
– ABV: 49.3% (98.6 proof)
– Price: $99.95 USD in Idaho (2021)
Visit luxco.com for more information
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I enjoyed the spirit neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.
Check out his review for this bourbon here!
SETTING:
Lay on your back in the middle of a grassy field with the sun shining down on you with all of its brightness. Not too hot, and not too cold, this bourbon is just a good friend to relax with and not have to think about anything with. It’s a simple indulgence and quintessentially a great day. The world seems to spin slowly so you can appreciate every moment properly and to the fullest.
Photo by Joseph Young on Unsplash
NOSE:
I can certainly smell the wine influence, providing warmth and an immediate richness. A hint of currants, and even dried cranberries lift the back end of the inhale to add some additional character. There’s light vanilla, pastry, toffee, and some almonds to ease the balance of the fruit. I get a bit of white pepper and rye, but otherwise, the spices are happy to sit behind the fruits and sweetness. They contribute to the blend on this nose quite well, nonetheless. I also still do find the corn of the bourbon mash bill – roasted and with much of the corn sweetness present.
I admit I am struggling to find the actual wine casks or any other strong wood element, but this does not bother me so much. What is there, is incredibly mild, as is the alcohol. It smells warm, great, and inviting.
PALATE:
– Mouth Feel: I was slightly disappointed at this mouth feel. With Pact 7 being finished in wine casks, (white wine casks or not), I expected this to have a bit more body than what I’m finding. Nevertheless, this is smooth, if not slightly dry, like some wines can be.
– Balance: Unexpected. I did not anticipate any kind of fruit acidity, but it is here, backed by dry sweet in a way that just works really well.
– Visual: Tawny in color, this has fat legs that drop quickly, leaving behind an inverted crown with some clinging droplets.
– Taste: I find the acidity of the grapes with a distinct brightness I wasn’t anticipating. I find a very light vanilla paired with the almonds of the nose, which create the slightest touch of bitterness. There’s still some raisins, but they don’t add much to the depth of this spirit, rather just contribute further to the overall acidity. In fact, there really is not a strong dark fruit presence in this glass, aside from a fleeting dark stone fruit – maybe plum or plucot – that only appears occasionally on sips.
The oak is also stronger on the palate, I am finding. Whether it is the oak of the wine casks or the oak of the bourbon, I am not sure. It is a new oak; that much is certain. The spice is still subtle, but it does make its presence a bit more known on the palate than it had on the nose. There’s some light ginger, white pepper, and the lasting rye.
All the while, the alcohol is incredibly mild. There’s a nip that comes in and out on the sips, but for the most part, it’s smooth and gentle all the way through. This could become dangerous quickly if you’re not careful, because it certainly does not taste like it’s 90+ proof. In fact, I’d say this is very reminiscent of what I could find in a Riesling, but with just a bit more proof. When I partake in a Kentucky chew, green grapes explode in juicy bursts with a fair amount of alcohol burn… but not enough of a burn to dissuade me from taking another chew.
FINISH:
– Lasting Power: Medium. I don’t find a particular high amount of warmth, but there is some aftertaste.
– Between Sips: Acidity and sweet grapes linger between sips, and I am not at all upset about it. It all works quite well.
– No More: This stays consistent the further into the glass I get, but with its dangerous level only increasing. This whole bottle would be so easy to finish with a few good (appreciating) friends, and you’d barely realize it was happening.
The empty Glencairn is a fruity oak with even some of the fruit juice still present.
WORTH THE PRICE?
$100 is a big ask. If you’re considering buying Blood Oath – any pact – realize that you are not purchasing tradition, or tried-and-true methods. You’re not buying history or a name that has been in the game since the beginning. Instead, recognize you’re purchasing innovation, creativity, and originality. This brand is fresh and willing to try new things, and for me, that kind of envelope-pushing is worth a look. If you’ve got $100 to burn and acknowledge what you’re buying, give this a try, because it is most certainly a treat.
BLOOD OATH PACT 7 REVIEW RATING: 93/100
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