Every year, bourbon lovers eagerly await the release of the latest Blood Oath Pact from Lux Row Distillers, and 2025 is no exception. This time, Master Distiller and Master Blender John Rempe has unveiled Blood Oath Pact 11, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with a twist—it’s finished in barrels that once held Añejo tequila. This marks the 11th chapter in the popular limited-edition series, and it’s already generating buzz among whiskey fans for its bold flavor profile and creative blending. Available starting April 26, this release combines tradition with innovation, offering a sipping experience that bridges the worlds of bourbon and tequila.
What Makes Blood Oath Pact 11 Special?
John Rempe, the creative force behind the Blood Oath series since its debut in 2015, is known for crafting unique blends that push the boundaries of bourbon. For Pact 11, he’s brought together three distinct bourbons: a 14-year-old ryed bourbon, a 10-year-old wheated bourbon, and a 7-year-old ryed bourbon that received a special finishing touch in Añejo tequila barrels. This combination results in a whiskey bottled at 98.6 proof (49.3% ABV), delivering a robust yet balanced taste that stands out from the crowd.
The Añejo tequila barrel finishing is the star of this release. Rempe has long admired the rich, complex flavors that Añejo tequila picks up from aging in bourbon barrels. By flipping the script and using those tequila barrels to finish his bourbon, he’s created a full-circle journey for the spirit. “We brought our bourbon full circle while picking up all of the best attributes and flavor notes along the way,” Rempe explained. The result is a whiskey that carries the warmth and spice of bourbon with subtle hints of agave and earthiness from the tequila barrels.
Tasting Notes
While the exact bourbons in the blend remain a closely guarded secret, Rempe has shared what drinkers can expect when they pour a glass of Blood Oath Pact 11. The experience starts with a welcoming warmth, blending vanilla and black pepper with a touch of sweetness. As the sip unfolds, spicy oak notes come through, followed by lighter hints of cherry and citrus. The finish is where this bourbon truly shines, leaving behind a smooth, velvety feel with lingering flavors of black cherry and rich dark chocolate. It’s a profile that Rempe believes will appeal to both bourbon enthusiasts and tequila fans alike, making it a versatile addition to any collection.
How to Get Your Hands on Blood Oath Pact 11
Mark your calendars—Blood Oath Pact 11 hits the shelves on April 26, 2025, with an in-person release at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky. The event kicks off at 9:30 a.m., and visitors can expect more than just a bottle to take home. The distillery is rolling out special snacks and sampling opportunities, turning the launch into a full day of enjoyment for bourbon lovers. However, there’s a catch: purchases are limited to one 750 mL bottle per person, priced at a minimum suggested retail of $129.99, and no bottles will be held or shipped. If you want one from the distillery, you’ll need to show up early, as supplies won’t last long.
For those who can’t make the trip to Bardstown, there’s still hope. A total of 51,000 bottles are being released, with 17,000 three-bottle cases heading to retailers across the country in April. Of those, 1,400 bottles are being set aside for a future Trilogy release, which will bundle Pact 11 with the yet-to-be-revealed Pacts 10 and 12. This continues a tradition that began with the first Trilogy (Pacts 1-3) in 2018, followed by the second (Pacts 4-6) in 2021 for National Bourbon Heritage Month, and the third (Pacts 7-9) in 2023.
Packaging That Matches the Quality Inside
Blood Oath Pact 11 isn’t just about what’s in the bottle—it’s a collector’s item from top to bottom. Each bottle comes nestled in a fire-branded wooden display box, a signature touch for the series. This year’s design features a striking mahogany-colored label with gold accents, wrapped around an embossed glass bottle. It’s the kind of presentation that makes it as much a centerpiece for a shelf as it is a treat to drink. Lux Row only releases one new Pact each year, so the unique packaging and limited run make every edition a hot commodity.
The Story Behind Blood Oath and Lux Row Distillers
The Blood Oath series is a passion project for John Rempe, who’s been steering the ship at Lux Row Distillers with a focus on quality and creativity. Lux Row, based in Bardstown, Kentucky, is part of Luxco, a family-founded company that started in St. Louis back in 1958. In 2021, Luxco joined forces with MGP Ingredients, a major player in the spirits world based in Indiana. Today, Lux Row operates alongside other distilleries under MGP’s umbrella, including Limestone Branch in Lebanon, Kentucky, and Ross & Squibb in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, as well as Destiladora Gonzalez Lux in Jalisco, Mexico, which produces tequilas like El Mayor and Exotico.
Lux Row is home to well-known brands like Ezra Brooks, Rebel, and Daviess County, but Blood Oath holds a special place as a showcase of Rempe’s blending skills. While MGP scaled back production in late 2024 due to a softening whiskey market, releases like Pact 11 prove the company is still committed to delivering standout spirits for its fans.
Why Bourbon and Tequila Fans Should Care
Blood Oath Pact 11 isn’t just another bourbon—it’s a bridge between two beloved spirits. The Añejo tequila barrel finish adds a layer of complexity that sets it apart from other releases in the series, like the high-rye bourbon of Pact 1 or the more experimental finishes of later editions. For collectors, it’s a must-have addition to the lineup, especially with only 51,000 bottles available. For casual drinkers, it’s a chance to try something new that combines the best of bourbon’s boldness with tequila’s subtle influence.
If you’re ready to snag a bottle, head to LuxRowDistillers.com for more details on where to find Blood Oath Pact 11 near you. Whether you’re sipping it neat, sharing it with friends, or saving it for a special occasion, this release promises a memorable experience that honors the craft of whiskey-making while taking it in an exciting new direction. Don’t wait too long—once these bottles are gone, they’re gone until the next Pact comes around.
