Lux Row distillery

Introduction to Lux Row

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Lux Row Distillers is an American bourbon distillery that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky – the Bourbon Capital of the World – Lux Row has rapidly established itself as a significant player in the American whiskey landscape.

The distillery’s commitment to quality is evident in every step of their production process, from grain selection to aging and bottling. Situated amidst the rolling hills of Kentucky bourbon country, Lux Row represents both bourbon heritage and forward-thinking whiskey making.

Why we have a soft spot for Lux Row

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that remain true to tradition while carving their own path – and Lux Row exemplifies this balance perfectly. What sets Lux Row apart is their masterful approach to blending, their diverse portfolio of brands, and their ability to create distinctive flavor profiles across different price points.

Their commitment to maintaining legacy brands while developing new expressions demonstrates a deep understanding of both bourbon history and the evolving tastes of contemporary whiskey enthusiasts.

The history behind Lux Row

Origin and development

While Lux Row Distillers as a facility is relatively new, opening its doors in 2018, the brands under its umbrella carry deep historical significance. The distillery was established by Luxco, a St. Louis-based spirits company founded in 1958 by Paul A. Lux and David Sherman Sr.

For decades, Luxco sourced their whiskey from other distilleries, but the creation of Lux Row Distillers marked their transition to becoming full-fledged bourbon producers with their own production facility. The $35-million, 18,000-square-foot distillery was designed to bring production of Luxco’s established bourbon brands under one roof while expanding their portfolio.

The people behind

The distillery is led by Master Distiller John Rempe, whose expertise and passion have been instrumental in crafting Lux Row’s distinctive expressions. With decades of experience in the spirits industry, Rempe oversees everything from mash bill creation to aging processes.

The Lux family’s influence remains strong in the company’s direction, with the second and third generations continuing the legacy of quality and innovation that began with Paul Lux more than half a century ago.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Lux Row uses traditional bourbon ingredients – primarily corn, along with malted barley and either rye or wheat depending on the specific mash bill. The distillery maintains strict quality control over their grain selection, sourcing from trusted local farmers whenever possible.

Their 43-foot custom copper still can produce up to 3 million gallons of spirit annually. After distillation, the new make spirit is transferred to charred American oak barrels at a lower barrel entry proof than industry standard for many products, allowing for different flavor development during aging.

Maturation and storage

Lux Row’s rickhouses are designed to maximize the Kentucky climate’s effect on aging bourbon. Their multi-story warehouses allow the distillery team to strategically place barrels based on desired maturation profiles, taking advantage of temperature variations at different heights.

The aging process is carefully monitored, with each brand having specific maturation requirements. Some expressions, particularly those from their premium Rebel Yell and Blood Oath series, utilize specialized finishing techniques in wine, port, or other specialty casks to create additional complexity.

Selected products from Lux Row

Ezra Brooks – A gateway to the house style

Ezra Brooks represents Lux Row’s commitment to traditional bourbon craftsmanship. This charcoal-filtered Kentucky straight bourbon delivers notes of caramel, vanilla, spice and chocolate, with a smooth, warming finish that makes it accessible to newcomers while offering enough complexity for bourbon enthusiasts.

At 90 proof and aged for at least four years, it serves as an excellent introduction to the Lux Row approach to bourbon making.

Blood Oath – An experience for connoisseurs

For those seeking a more elevated experience, the Blood Oath series represents Lux Row’s innovative and premium approach. Each “Pact” is a limited-edition, carefully crafted blend of exceptional bourbons, often featuring unique finishes or aging techniques.

These annual releases are bottled at 98.6 proof (symbolizing body temperature) and feature complex flavor profiles that might include rich oak, dried fruits, chocolate, and baking spices, complemented by a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel. Blood Oath represents Master Distiller John Rempe’s opportunity to create something truly distinctive each year.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Lux Row Distillers offers visitors an immersive bourbon experience at their Bardstown facility. The guided tours take you through the entire whiskey-making process, from grain to glass, providing insights into both traditional bourbon production and Lux Row’s specific approaches.

The tasting experience typically includes samples from across their portfolio, allowing guests to compare different brands and expressions. The visitor center also houses a well-stocked gift shop offering exclusive bottles and merchandise that can’t be found elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

What is Lux Row?

Lux Row Distillers is a bourbon distillery located in Bardstown, Kentucky, producing several well-known bourbon brands including Ezra Brooks, Rebel, David Nicholson, Blood Oath, and Daviess County. They focus on maintaining traditional bourbon-making techniques while incorporating innovative approaches to create distinctive flavor profiles.

Where is Lux Row located?

Lux Row Distillers is located at 1 Lux Row in Bardstown, Kentucky – a town known as the Bourbon Capital of the World. The distillery is situated on a 70-acre site in the heart of Kentucky bourbon country, placing it firmly within America’s bourbon heartland.

What characterizes Lux Row?

Lux Row is characterized by their respect for bourbon tradition alongside a willingness to innovate. Their portfolio ranges from classic, value-oriented bourbons to premium, limited-edition releases. The distillery is particularly known for their skilled blending, consistent quality across price points, and specialty releases like the Blood Oath series that showcase creative finishing techniques.

Where can I buy bourbon from Lux Row?

You can find selected bottles from Lux Row’s portfolio at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their offerings, including both core expressions and limited releases, ensuring you have access to some of their finest bourbons. Our selection includes expressions that showcase the breadth and depth of Lux Row’s bourbon-making expertise.