Blood Oath Pact 10

Few bourbon releases generate as much anticipation each year as the latest entry in the Blood Oath Pact series. Since its debut in 2015, the series has carved out a distinct place in the world of limited-edition bourbons, with each “pact” serving as a masterfully blended marriage of well-aged bourbons, sometimes with unique cask finishes.

Crafted by Lux Row’s Master Blender John Rempe, the Blood Oath series has never been about chasing proof or extreme boldness, but rather about nuance, balance, and creativity in blending. Every release builds upon the previous, and in many ways, Pact 10 represents an evolution of the brand’s identity. It’s rich, layered, and slightly bolder than some previous editions, yet it also introduces an intriguing herbal complexity that sets it apart.

But despite its impressive pedigree and craftsmanship, there’s something about it that feels like it’s holding back from true greatness. It’s a bourbon that leaves a lingering impression—both in its finish and in the mind of the drinker—leading one to wonder: what if it had just one more gear?

The Blend & The Blood Oath Legacy

Lux Row has followed a consistent approach with Blood Oath: each blend is a combination of older bourbons, typically with one component undergoing a unique finishing process. Pact 10 stays true to this formula but takes a more spice-forward and herbal approach than some past releases.

The blend consists of:

- 14-year-old high-rye bourbon: Provides depth, seasoned oak, and spice

- 11-year-old wheated bourbon: Adds softness, caramel, and a rich, sweet backbone

- 10-year-old high-rye bourbon finished in Cabernet Franc barrels: The wildcard, introducing red fruit, earthy tannins, and anise-like herbal notes

The use of Cabernet Franc barrels is an interesting choice. While past Blood Oath releases have used wine finishes (such as Pact 4’s toasted barrels with Cabernet Sauvignon influence), Cabernet Franc brings a different character—less overtly sweet, a touch drier, and with a distinct herbal, slightly savory quality.

The decision to include two high-rye bourbons instead of a more traditional lower-rye or corn-heavy component gives Pact 10 a sharper edge compared to some previous releases. This makes it a more spice-forward bourbon, and one that leans slightly away from the dessert-like sweetness that some previous pacts have embraced.

But does this blend create something truly extraordinary? Almost.

Tasting Notes: A Bourbon of Layers and Shadows

Nose

From the first inhale, it’s clear that Pact 10 is dense and evocative. Dark fruit, rich oak, and warm baking spices set the stage.

- Dark cherry and plum immediately stand out, a signature of the Cabernet Franc influence.

- Caramel and vanilla sit just behind, softened by the wheated component.

- Oak and cocoa powder introduce a dryness that balances the initial sweetness.

- Fennel, anise, and herbal spice creep in subtly but grow stronger with time in the glass, adding an earthy, almost absinthe-like undertone.

The nose is beautifully layered, shifting between fruity, sweet, and herbal as it opens up. But there’s also a restrained quality, as if it could push even further into boldness but chooses to hold back.

Palate

The sip is rich and mouth-coating, delivering on the promise of the nose while also introducing a more pronounced spice character.

- The red berry notes from the Cabernet Franc barrels appear early but are more reserved than expected—offering a soft tartness rather than an explosion of fruit.

- Brown sugar and toffee emerge in the mid-palate, tempered by dry oak.

- Cinnamon, black pepper, and nutmeg bring heat, courtesy of the two high-rye components.

- Anise and fennel take on a more noticeable role as the whiskey lingers, adding a faintly bitter, licorice-like depth.

This bourbon is at its most intriguing in the mid-palate. The way the sweet and herbal notes interact is fascinating, but it also introduces the one critique that lingers in the background: it never quite reaches a crescendo. It has all the ingredients of something monumental but feels like it stops just short of the explosion of flavor that might have made it legendary.

Finish

The finish is long, spice-laden, and bittersweet, leaving behind waves of herbal, oaky dryness.

- Dark chocolate and espresso notes emerge, deep and slightly bitter.

- Fennel and anise stretch into the aftertaste, providing a tinge of licorice-like complexity.

- A drying oak and spice mix remains long after the sip is gone.

Again, the finish is beautifully complex, but it also teases the idea that it could have had just a little more body or weight to elevate it further.

What Holds It Back?

For all its strengths, Pact 10 leaves an impression that it’s missing just one final element to push it into the stratosphere.

1. Proof Constraint

While bottled at 98.6 proof, which is standard for Blood Oath releases, one wonders if a slightly higher proof might have unlocked more intensity. A touch more heat could have allowed the darker, richer notes to shine even more.

2. Cabernet Franc’s Subtle Role

Cabernet Franc is a more nuanced wine than, say, Cabernet Sauvignon or Port, and while it adds depth, its influence feels somewhat restrained here. A longer finish period or a different proof point might have extracted more of the wine’s rich, savory qualities.

3. That Haunting “What If” Factor

Everything about this bourbon suggests it was on the verge of greatness. It’s an expertly crafted whiskey with an intellectual edge, but there’s a part of the drinker that keeps wondering what if?

Final Verdict: A Beautiful, Thought-Provoking Bourbon

Blood Oath Pact 10 is a rich, layered, and captivating whiskey that leans into spice, dark fruit, and herbal complexity. The choice of Cabernet Franc barrels gives it a unique fingerprint, and the presence of fennel and anise makes it stand out in the Blood Oath lineup.

Yet, as impressive as it is, there’s an undeniable sense that it could have gone just a little further. A slightly higher proof, a longer finish in wine barrels, or a small tweak in the blend could have made this one of the great modern bourbons. Instead, it sits just a step below that level—an excellent, but not quite legendary, release.

Still, for those who appreciate nuance, herbal complexity, and a finish that lingers with intrigue, Pact 10 is absolutely worth experiencing. It’s a bourbon that makes you think as much as it makes you savor, and sometimes, that’s just as valuable.

Final Score: 75/100

Pros: Deeply layered, complex nose and palate, fascinating interplay of fruit and herbal spice

Cons: Feels slightly restrained, proof may limit its full potential, Cabernet Franc finish could be bolder

Buy If: You appreciate spiced, herbal bourbons with a unique wine-cask twist

Pass If: You prefer higher-proof, bolder, or more overtly sweet bourbons

As always, enjoy, and drink safely.