Review: Blood Oath Bourbon Whiskey Pact 12 2026

It’s a full dozen Blood Oaths we’ve taken now, and we have the scars to prove it. The Lux Row-produced series‘s 2016 release features another unique finishing regimen, this one including a portion of the spirit concluding its aging in Italian Montepulciano and sangiovese wine casks. The base spirit is a blend of three whiskeys, including two Kentucky bourbons, 9 years old and 12 years old, both with rye in the recipe. A third ryed bourbon, 7 years old, is the only one that’s finished: first in Abruzzo Montepulciano casks then in sangiovese casks.

I’m often unimpressed by red wine finishes, but let’s see what master distiller John Rempe has come up with this time out of the gate.

Blood Oath Bourbon Whiskey Pact 12 2026 Review

Blood Oath releases aren’t always amazing, but this 2026 is a fine return to form. Engaging from the start, the whiskey is sweet and seductive on the nose, melding notes of pepper with intense (and building) notes of chocolate, plus more classic dark caramel and vanilla aromas. More immersive and evocative than a standard bourbon would be at this age, there’s an underbelly of floral notes and an insistent, exotic Eastern spice, almost curry-like.

The palate hits with a slightly nutty sweetness, melding almond and coconut into a slightly tropical whole. Elements of white flowers, nougat, and butterscotch all come together to give the whiskey a certain summery vibe — which is perfect given the current climate — with a finish that take a slightly Asian turn, featuring crushed sesame seed. Late-game flavors are all about dessert — graham crackers, crushed Oreos, and some Biscoff all in a swirl.

Loved it, and never once did this whiskey evoke thoughts of Italy.

98.6 proof. 51,000 bottles produced.

A- / $130 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

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