Review #142 Lux Row Distillers 12yr Cask Strength: Bourbon

Score: 9.6 / 10

Distillery: Lux Row Distillery

Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Founded only in 2018, Lux Row is a very new distillery on the scene. However, don't be discouraged by that, Luxco, the owners have been distilling spirit for over 60 years. Some of the brands under their tree that may have heard of include but are not limited to Rebell Yell, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Ezra Brooks.

Look out for these guys. If you think some of these offerings are expensive now, I think you'll be blown away with the prices later. Enjoy!

Whiskey Review:

Nose: Immediately upon pouring a glass I was blasted with a wave of skunky rye spice, but after a few minutes that fades away leaving luscious cherry, cherry cola and an incredibly sweet warm vanilla. There is some red crisp apple there, complimented by a toasted apple cider. Deeper in the glass I find an earthy brown sugar along with fennel that intermingles with oak.

Palate: Cherry and maraschino cherry explode on the palate. For a moment those flavors fade out leaving a cascade of vanilla which turns into a crackling black pepper spice with hints of raspberry and watermelon. Citrus (big whoa here – the flavors are incredible). Upon a second sip I get more of the same flavors with some red apple, apple rind, and a nice cinnamon spiked apple cider. As I drink more, I uncover a hint of raisin that teams up with a creamy caramel.

Finish: More cherry, cherry cola, maraschino cherry – its an absolute cherry bomb. The finish simmers with black pepper, oak, caramel, and lemon rind. The finish is very tannic and seems to last forever – it just simmers, crackles, pops, and sits on the palate. Some rye spice and fennel appear near the very end of the finish along with a soothing menthol that cools the palate especially if you breathe in through your mouth. Even when you think the finish is finally finished, more black pepper and embers of spice dance around the palate and leave hints of black licorice.

Score: 9.6

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Notes: Availability? Rare. This is generally only available at the distillery itself. I hope it makes it to more shelves in the future. It's pricey, but obviously worth it.