John Rempe

“From Biology to Bourbon”

John E. Rempe is the Master Distiller and Master Blender at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky. However, his journey into bourbon science began in the world of biology and food science in St. Louis. With nearly 30 years of experience shaping the destiny of some of America’s best-loved whiskey brands, Rempe’s story is one of deep tradition combined with bold innovation.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Rempe obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology from Saint Louis University, graduating in 1993. Motivated in part by a family connection (his grandfather worked as a chemist for a major brewery), Rempe also earned certification as a Certified Food Scientist. This empirical grounding would become the backbone of his approach to whiskey production. Shortly after graduation, Rempe began his career in the beverages industry as a microbiologist, working in soft drink and fruit‑juice production. In 1998, he joined Luxco in a quality control role. By 1999, the sharp-witted Rempe was promoted to Research & Development Manager, launching new flavor lines and contributing to the creation of brands like Pearl Vodka and DSS Tequila.

Rempe spent nearly two decades refining his craft within Luxco’s R&D operations. He has worked closely on legacy brands such as Rebel, Ezra Brooks, David Nicholson, and Daviess County, prioritizing consistency and flavor above all. For Rebel, he led taste development, ensuring each batch delivered what loyal consumers expected, with no surprises, only quality, consistency, and excellence.

In 2017, Luxco appointed Rempe Head Distiller as the company pivoted toward owning its own distillery. Construction of Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, began, and the distillery officially opened in early 2018. Rempe relocated there, choosing to live on the distillery grounds so he could wake up to the smells of mash cooking every morning. Within the year, he was guiding the transition from contract‑sourced bourbon to in‑house production.

John’s favorite brainchild is the Blood Oath bourbon series, launched in 2015. Each annual “Pact” is a limited‑edition blend, finished in exotic barrels such as Cabernet wine or dark rum casks, with an occasional Pact, such as the recently released Pact 11, finished in Añejo tequila barrels. The former produces an uncharacteristically bold whiskey that fuses bourbon warmth with agave‑tinged complexity. More recently, Rempe has introduced finishes like PX Sherry casks for the Lux Row Small‑Batch PX Sherry Finish. Under his guidance, Lux Row’s flagship Rebel Bourbon, a brand with a wheated mash bill, is true to its original 1849 recipe. In 2023, Rebel Bourbon 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey received a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Double Platinum ASCOT award. Rebel 100 Straight Bourbon also earned gold medals at the 2023 SIP and ASCOT awards. 

Rempe’s routine is as disciplined as his blends. Living on the Lux Row property, he begins each day by checking fermenters, stills, and mash cookers. He then moves to the lab, collaborating with University of Louisville students who assist with quality control testing. Working closely with R&D staff in St. Louis, Rempe spends much of his day ensuring brand consistency. Later in the day, he typically joins visitors for tours and tastings, answering questions and signing bottles. For his efforts, in 2018, Rempe received Luxco’s prestigious Paul A. Lux Award, honoring his integrity, dedication, and long‑standing contributions to the company.