Luxco

A New David Nicholson Expression

Photo courtesy of Luxco.


Photo courtesy of Luxco.

Luxco is giving their David Nicholson lineup some love.  They’ve updated the packaging to something a bit more upscale.  More importantly, a new expression is being launched.  David Nicholson Reserve is a 100 proof bourbon distilled from a rye mash bill, compared to the wheated mash bill of David Nicholson 1843.  The rye in the David Nicholson Reserve will give it a bit of spiciness.  Suggested retail price is about $35 – $40, where the 1843 should run about $30-$35.  I should have some tasting notes soon enough.  In the meantime, I’ve included the full press release below.

(St. Louis) June 27, 2016 – Luxco announced the brand refresh of David Nicholson 1843® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and the launch of David Nicholson Reserve® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The brand, dating back to 1843 and part of Luxco’s portfolio of whiskeys since 2000, will continue to provide 100 proof ultra-premium bourbon, in an updated sleek, upscale package for both of the variants.

“The 100-proof bourbon category continues to explode with an impressive 24 percent growth rate*,” says Fletcher Buchman, brand manager at Luxco. “We continue to add products to our portfolio that fulfill the demand for craft bourbons with fuller flavor and connect current and future consumers that celebrate authentic bourbons.”David Nicholson Reserve is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that offers a rye mash bill for a spicy, warm finish and will be available in 750ml in July. This bourbon, bottled at 100 proof, is extra aged for a more robust flavor and a full-bodied long finish. Suggested retail price per bottle is $34.99-$39.99. The suggested retail price per bottle for the David Nicholson 1843 is $29.99-$34.99.

“David Nicholson 1843 is still made according to the original recipe and offers a smooth, wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with hints of vanilla and oak. For David Nicholson Reserve, with the rye mash bill, we achieved a more complex, toasted rich flavor and a spicier bourbon,” says Buchman.

The brand’s packaging refresh includes a sleeker, contemporary bottle and a cleaner label design. With the addition of a natural cork and embossing on the shoulder of the bottle, the packaging now reflects the award-winning bourbon inside. David Nicholson 1843 recently earned a double gold award in 2015 and a gold award in 2016 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

For more information about David Nicholson 1843 and David Nicholson Reserve, please visit http://www.davidnicholsonwhiskey.com

*Source: NABCA 9L R12 through March, 2016

Blood Oath Bourbon Pact No. 2 (2016) Review

Blood Oath 2016

The second annual release of Luxco’s ultra-premium Blood Oath bourbon has just hit shelves.  Like last year’s inaugural release,  Blood Oath Pact No. 2 is a blend of three bourbon whiskies.  First, is an 11-year-old bourbon with a traditional rye mashbill.  Whiskey number two is an 11-year old “wheated” bourbon, or one with wheat in it’s mashbill instead of rye.  Third, but certainly not least, is a 7-year-old bourbon that’s finished in port barrels.

You’ll notice two important changes from the first release.  Pact No. 2’s average age is probably a tad older than Pact No. 1.  Also of note is the port finishing for the youngest bourbon.

Like the first release, this one is bottled at 98.6 proof and comes in a fancy wooden case.  The price also carries over from last year – $99.99 for a 750ml bottle.  The producers (not the distillers) of this bourbon say this blend will not be duplicated. Onwards to the fun part – the tasting.

The nose here is sweet, spicy and fruity.  Sweet corn mash, vanilla, ginger ale, and a summer berry medley jump out of the glass.  The last bit is no doubt a result of the port finish on one of this blend’s whiskies, and that port barrel influence also carries onto the palate.  Notes of cordial cherries and fresh ginger root develop into rich clover honey, vanilla extract and cinnamon.  A blast of sweet and slightly tart fresh berries make for the beginning of a delightful finish, but a sudden hit of astringent oak tannins comes out of nowhere.

I think the use of port barrel finishing one of these whiskies is a brilliant move.  It adds wonderful fruit notes and makes Blood Oath Pact No. 2 a more complex and enjoyable whiskey than last year’s release.  My first glass of this bourbon was just okay.  A couple weeks of airtime really improved things.  If it wasn’t for that slightly overdrying finish, this would be an absolute knockout.  Still, it’s worthy of a pour.

8.5/10
(A review sample was provided by Luxco.)

Luxco Announces Bardstown Distillery
An architect rendering for Luxco's new distillery.

An architect rendering for Luxco’s new distillery.

This week Luxco confirmed plans to build a distillery in Bardstown, KY.  The distillery is yet to be named, and is expected to be operational by the end of 2017.

With the current whiskey boom seeing no slowing down in the near future, being able to distill its own whiskey is crucial to Luxco’s continued growth.  It may be harder and harder to source whiskey in the future.

Construction is set to begin this summer by Buzick Construction, who have built other distilleries over the years.  Luxco’s new distillery will employ more than 30 people, and the company is hoping it will be a new stop along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Read the full press release below:

(St. Louis) April 4, 2016 – Luxco announced today the company has finalized plans to build a distillery, located in Nelson County, Kentucky. Luxco has chosen to build the distillery on a 70-acre site off state highway KY-245 in the heart of Bardstown and Bourbon Capital of the World. The company announced preliminary plans for the distillery in late 2015, and the distillery is expected to be fully operational by late 2017.

Construction on the project will begin in the summer of 2016. Buzick Construction has been awarded the contract for the project. When finished, the distillery will be approximately 18,000 square feet, have six barrel warehouses and will employ an estimated 34 people. In addition, the distillery will feature a tasting room and event space and will offer visitors a new stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

“We are looking forward to building the distillery on this scenic property and in such a central location in Bardstown,” says David Bratcher, President and COO of Luxco. “We intend the distillery to be a welcoming stop for those visiting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and we are excited to bring our bourbon experience and brands to Nelson County.”

The distillery will be built alongside an existing house on the property, which is registered as a National Historic Place and will remain. Architect renderings of the new distillery, created by Joseph & Joseph Architects out of Louisville, are available upon request.

With the rapid growth of Luxco’s bourbon brands, such as Rebel Yell, Blood Oath and Ezra Brooks, the company decided to build this new distillery in order to meet its increasing whiskey demand.

“At Luxco, we are always looking to be innovative,” says Bratcher. “Building this distillery will allow us to control our own production as well as offer us the ability to experiment with new and innovative mash bills, barrel types and aging techniques.”

Luxco has received support for the distillery from various entities within Kentucky.

“We are pleased with the support we have received from the Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet, the Nelson County Economic Development Agency and City and County government officials,” said Donn Lux, Chairman of Luxco.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for $1.3 million in tax incentives for the project. The Joint City-County Planning Commission also approved rezoning of the land for this project. Luxco also owns 50 percent interest in the Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky – which produces Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

“We are excited to have Luxco become a part of our community,” says Dean Watts, Nelson County Judge Executive. “Their history and success in the liquor industry will greatly enhance our County.”