If you’re not in the whiskey industry, you most likely will not have heard of Luxco. But if you’re a whiskey drinker, you’ve likely had a taste of at least one one of the Luxco bourbon brands. Luxco was founded in 1958 initially as a private label bottler. But over the past few decades, it has grown into a leading producer, bottler, and importer in the drinks industry and have also acquired quite a few whiskey brands in addition to other spirits.
In fact, in order to keep up with the demand for the Luxco whiskey brands, the company recently opened up its own distillery. Lux Row Distillers opened its doors in 2018 in the heart of Bardstown, KY. And earlier this year Indiana’s MGP Ingredients — a mega-distiller from which many brands source their whiskey, particularly rye whiskey — acquired Luxco. This merger is still in its infancy, but having the Luxco bourbon brands under the MGP umbrella seems to be a win-win for both the companies and whiskey drinkers alike.
So with all the recent happenings with Luxco, we wanted to go over each of the Luxco bourbon brands and briefly explain what makes each one differ from the other. We’ve also included a tasting note along with our Distiller’s Community Ratings to help you with your next purchase.
Rebel Bourbon
This brand was formerly known as Rebel Yell, but the brand was quietly changed recently. The recipe for Rebel Bourbon dates back to 1849.
What to Know:
Rebel Bourbon is made with a wheated bourbon recipe. In addition to this 80 proof bourbon, there is a 100 proof, and a 10 year-old single barrel version.
What Our Experts Think It Tastes Like:
Dried apples, a bit of grass, light caramel and fresh-cut wheat.
Avg US Price: $11
ABV: 40%
Community Rating: 2.89 out of 5 stars (765 Ratings)
Rebel Bourbon /Photo Credit: Luxco
Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
While the 99 Proof bottling just launched in 2021, the Ezra Brooks whiskey brand first launched in 1957. It is made with a high-rye mash bill recipe.
What to Know:
After aging it’s charcoal filtered and bottled at 99 proof. In addition to this proof, the brand also offers a 90-proof bourbon and a 90-proof rye whiskey as well as a 7 year-old barrel strength bourbon.
What Our Experts Think It Tastes Like:
Peanuts, sweet corn, dried herbs and a touch of leather.
Avg US Price: $26
ABV: 49.5%
Community Rating: 3.32 out of 5 stars (93 Ratings)
Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon /Photo Credit: Luxco
Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon
The Daviess County brand dates back to 1874, but it was just reintroduced in 2020.
What to Know:
The bourbon is made with a blend of two mash bill recipes: a wheated one and a traditional one made with rye. In addition to this traditionally aged bourbon, there is also a French Oak Finish and a Cabernet Sauvignon Finish.
What Our Experts Think It Tastes Like:
Avg US Price: $41
ABV: 48%
Community Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (60 Ratings)
Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon
David Nicholson Reserve
Luxco purchased the David Nicholson brand from the Van Winkle family in 2000.
What to Know:
For this Reserve bottling, a high-rye bourbon recipe is used. This differs from the Original 1843 bourbon which is made from a wheated bourbon recipe. Both are bottled at 100 proof.
What Our Experts Think It Tastes Like:
Strikingly well balanced; just the right amount of vanilla with a hint of char and a long, sweet finish.
Avg US Price: $34
ABV: 50%
Community Rating: 3.72 out of 5 stars (323 Ratings)
David Nicholson Reserve /Photo Credit: Luxco
Another Luxco Bourbon Brand to Know:
Blood Oath Bourbon
This limited series released its first “Pact” in 2015. Since then Luxco has released Blood Oath as an annual release. The bourbon is made with a blend of three different bourbons with varying recipes, ages and barrel types, such as Sauternes wine or cognac casks. Also, each bourbon is crafted by Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe. Moreover, they are each bottled at 98.6 proof — a number chosen as it is the average human’s body temperature.
Blood Oath Bourbon /Photo Credit: Luxco
Ready to do your own Luxco Bourbon Brands comparisons?
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