Blue Run Spirits, a relatively new player in the whiskey industry, has been turning heads since its inception in 2020. Founded by former Nike and Facebook employees, this company has quickly made a name for itself by doing things a bit differently. Instead of focusing on a consistent core product, Blue Run creates limited-run bourbons and ryes, often varying by batch. Their latest release, the Flight Series, is a testament to their unique approach.
Image credit: Blue Run Spirits
The company’s strategy involves working with whiskey industry veterans to contract distill and source their spirits. Over the past few years, they have released a variety of cask-strength, small batch, and single barrel expressions. Blue Run was acquired by Molson Coors last year under the Coors Spirits Co. division. This acquisition followed the launch of Coors Spirits with the Five Trail Blended American Whiskey in 2021. The diverse lineup of Blue Run’s releases has become a hallmark of the brand, emphasizing limited availability and high-quality sourcing.
Key to their success has been the expertise of Jim Rutledge, former master distiller at Four Roses, who joined Blue Run as a “liquid advisor.” Recently, Shaylyn Gammon, previously with Campari on Wild Turkey releases, has taken the role of head of whiskey development. These industry experts have helped shape Blue Run’s distinctive offerings. Although Blue Run announced plans to open its own distillery in Kentucky, it will be a few years before whiskey from this facility is ready.
The second Flight Series from Blue Run is a prime example of their innovative approach. This micro-batch collection features six unique whiskeys, each blended by Gammon from three to four barrels of High Rye Bourbon. Each bottle in the series offers a different tasting experience. The particular batch reviewed here, Joshua Tree Sunrise, is a blend of three barrels distilled at Castle & Key, Bardstown Bourbon Company, or another undisclosed distillery. These barrels were aged in a non-climate controlled warehouse in Bardstown, Kentucky. Gammon conducted her blending tests outdoors, allowing the whiskey to interact with natural temperature and humidity variations, aiming to replicate consumer conditions rather than a sterile lab environment.
Joshua Tree Sunrise is bottled at cask strength of 117 proof. Despite its high ABV, it has a surprisingly mild alcohol burn. The bourbon, which seems to be around four years old, features a rich nose of fruit and grain. On the palate, it offers a symphony of flavors including cinnamon, honey, brown sugar, blackberry, green apple, vanilla, caramel, and espresso. The finish is long-lasting with notes of black pepper and butterscotch hard candy. While the name Joshua Tree Sunrise might not evoke the desert landscape for everyone, the quality of the bourbon speaks for itself.
Priced at $120 per bottle, the Flight Series II might be a bit steep for some, but for bourbon enthusiasts looking for a unique, small batch blend, it’s worth the investment. If you're lucky, you might find these bottles on secondary markets for less than $200. However, if you prefer the classics like Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey, or Elijah Craig, this might not be your cup of tea. But for those eager to explore something new and different, Joshua Tree Sunrise and the rest of the Flight Series offer a distinctive bourbon experience.
In conclusion, Blue Run Spirits continues to push the boundaries of what a bourbon brand can be. With industry veterans at the helm and a commitment to unique, high-quality releases, they are a brand to watch. Joshua Tree Sunrise from the Flight Series II scores a solid 90, making it a great choice for any bourbon lover looking to expand their horizons.
About Blue Run Spirits
Blue Run Spirits is an esteemed distillery based in Georgetown, Kentucky, celebrated for its commitment to crafting premium and meticulously aged spirits. Founded on a deep appreciation for the art of whiskey-making, Blue Run Spirits has quickly made a name for itself in the world of bourbon.
What sets Blue Run Spirits apart is its dedication to excellence and craftsmanship at every step of the whiskey production process. From selecting the finest grains to employing traditional and innovative techniques, the distillery is known for its unwavering pursuit of perfection in each bottle.
Blue Run Spirits has garnered attention for its distinctive portfolio of whiskeys, each reflecting a unique blend of flavors and aromas derived from carefully selected aging processes. With a focus on small-batch production, the distillery produces spirits that captivate the senses and offer a true taste of Kentucky's rich bourbon heritage.
Beyond its commitment to crafting exceptional whiskey, Blue Run Spirits also places great importance on presentation. Each bottle is a work of art, featuring handcrafted labels and meticulously designed packaging that reflects the brand's dedication to quality and aesthetics.
As an emerging force in the bourbon industry, Blue Run Spirits continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in whiskey-making. With a reverence for tradition and a passion for innovation, they are poised to make a lasting mark on the world of premium spirits, appealing to both connoisseurs and newcomers to the world of fine bourbon.
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