Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel
A Storied Start: The History of Lux Row Distillers
Lux Row Distillers is like the cool new kid in the bourbon block who moved into the neighborhood in 2018. Despite being a youngster in the bourbon world, they've quickly made a name for themselves with a lineup of impressive spirits. Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, also known as the Bourbon Capital of the World (yes, that's a thing), Lux Row has been rolling out bottles that make even the most seasoned bourbon connoisseurs raise an eyebrow—or a glass. Their portfolio includes Rebel Bourbon, Ezra Brooks, Daviess County Bourbon, David Nicholson, and Blood Oath, but today, we’re diving into their Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel Bourbon. And yes, that name is as extra as a Christmas sweater in July.
The Bottle: First Impressions
Let’s be honest, half the reason we buy bourbon is because the bottle looks fancy on our shelf. The Lux Row Double Single Barrel doesn't disappoint. It's got that classic, slightly rustic vibe going on with a hefty glass bottle and a cork that pops with the kind of satisfying “thunk” that tells you you're in for a good time. The label is stylish, as if it's dressed up for a bourbon black-tie event. So, if you're a sucker for good packaging like me, this one's already a winner before it even hits the glass.
The Pour: A Symphony of Gold
Pouring this bourbon is like liquid sunshine streaming into your glass. It was lighter than I thought it would be. It's still got a rich, amber color that promises warmth and comfort, which is precisely what you need after a long day of pretending to understand spreadsheets. The swirls in the glass are mesmerizing, kind of like a lava lamp, but more adult and way more likely to improve your mood, but that may be subjective.
The Nose Knows: Aromas Abound
Stick your nose in the glass and take a deep breath. No, don't inhale the liquid, just the aromas. You'll get a whiff of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of oak. TThere'sa sweetness there, reminiscent of a cozy autumn evening with hints of caramel and vanilla and a spiciness that asserts, “ey, II'mbourbon. Respect me."It's like a delightful sensory adventure for your nose. If I could bottle this scent as cologne, I would wear it to job interviews and family dinners. Wait, is that a thing…dibs!
The Sip: Bourbon Bliss
Here comes the fun part—taking that first sip. Lux Row Double Single Barrel Bourbon greets your taste buds with a bold hello. It has a robust flavor that's sweet at first, like caramel and honey, and has a dance-off on your tongue. Then, it hits you with a bit of spice and oak, kind of like a cowboy winking at you from across the bar. The finish is smooth and lingering like velvet on your tongue, making you want to go back for another sip. And another. Until you realize you've finished the glass, you should probably slow down because this stuff is 100% proof.
Pairing: The Perfect Snack Buddy
What goes well with this bourbon? Pretty much everything, but if you want to get fancy, try it with a pecan pie or some dark chocolate. The sweetness of the dessert complements the bourbon's flavor, like peanut butter complements jelly. But if you're like me and snack on whatever's in the pantry, it pairs surprisingly well with a handful of pretzels and a block of sharp cheddar.
Final Thoughts: A Bourbon for Every Occasion
Should you buy this? Unfortunately, this was a bourbon that made its way on the shelf behind the counter with the allocated or limited distribution bottles. For that, I would want more of the nose and palate. For the price, I would instead get a more common bottle, but it's definitely a talking piece if you want to splurge. However, Lux Row Double Single Barrel Bourbon can be like that friend who can fit in anywhere—fancy dinners, casual barbecues, or even just chilling on the couch in your pajamas. It's versatile, flavorful, and has just the right amount of kick to make you feel like you know what you are talking about when you say, "I'm getting notes of caramel and oak.“
So, whether you're a bourbon newbie like me or a seasoned sipper, this bottle deserves a spot on your shelf after you've picked up the more common ones. Just remember, it's called Double Single Barrel, and while that might sound like marketing gibberish, all you really need to know is that it's ok.
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 115 • Mashbill: Corn • Wheat • Rye • Barley (Undisclosed %)• Aged: 4yrs • Price: $80
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 2 • Palate: 3 • Finish: 3 • Uniqueness: 2 • Value: 2 • Overall: 2.4
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 