In the crisp fall air of Chicago, where the wind off Lake Michigan carries echoes of roaring crowds and bone-crushing tackles, football isn't just a game—it's a religion. And for Bears fans, the 1985 season remains the holy grail, a year when the Monsters of the Midway roared back to life and claimed the ultimate prize. Fast forward four decades, and that electric energy is finding a new home in the amber glow of a whiskey glass. Blue Run Spirits, a Kentucky powerhouse with a knack for blending old-school craftsmanship with fresh twists, has uncorked a limited-edition bourbon that's equal parts homage and high-octane sipper.
Picture this: It's 1985, and the Chicago Bears aren't just winning—they're dominating with a swagger that turned the NFL upside down. That squad, packed with larger-than-life characters who danced their way through defenses and into legend, capped off a dream run with a Super Bowl XX thrashing of the New England Patriots. The victory parade down Michigan Avenue felt like the whole city was floating on a cloud of confetti and unbridled joy. Today, as the Bears gear up for another season, they're pulling out all the stops to mark the 40th anniversary of that unforgettable campaign. Enter Blue Run Spirits, stepping up as the official pour for the celebration with a bottle that captures the grit, the glory, and the unbreakable spirit of Chicago's gridiron kings.
This isn't some mass-market tie-in rushed out for quick bucks. Blue Run teamed up with the Bears—one of the league's two charter franchises, a team that's been grinding since the days of leather helmets and packed bleachers—to craft something truly special. The result? A Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon Whiskey bottled at a bold 111 proof, clocking in at a suggested retail price of $89.99. That's no lightweight; it's a pour that packs the punch of a Walter Payton stiff-arm, smooth enough to savor by the fire but with enough rye spice to remind you of those frozen afternoons at Soldier Field.
Image credit: Blue Run
What sets this bottle apart isn't just the liquid gold inside—though we'll get to that—it's the packaging that screams Bears pride from every angle. Each one sports a custom Viceroy butterfly medallion, Blue Run's signature emblem that's become a collector's badge in whiskey circles. But here, it's reimagined with nods to the Monsters of the Midway: think fierce, swirling designs that evoke the thunder of those '85 defenses, the lightning-quick counters, and the sheer audacity of a team that backed up every bark with a bite. The label? A work of art in its own right, blending vintage team vibes with modern flair. And etched right there on the exclusive box is the proclamation that Blue Run is "The Official Bourbon of The Chicago Bears." It's the kind of detail that makes you want to crack it open at your next tailgate, just to show off.
Katy McBrady, the general manager at Blue Run Spirits, couldn't hide her excitement when the partnership was unveiled. "Few teams in sports history have left as lasting a legacy as the 1985 Chicago Bears," she said in a recent news release. "We are honored to collaborate with the Bears organization to celebrate this milestone anniversary with fans in the heart of Bears Country. This limited-edition release not only raises a glass to the historic season but also honors the tradition and spirit of the Bears’ remarkable franchise."
McBrady's words hit home for anyone who's ever bled navy and orange. The Bears aren't chasing trends; they're rooted in a legacy that spans nearly a century, from the rough-and-tumble days of the Decatur Staleys to the prime-time spectacle of today. This bourbon collaboration feels like a natural extension of that—timeless, tough, and tuned to the pulse of loyal fans who remember where they were when Jim McMahon slung that perfect pass or when the Fridge stuffed the run on fourth down. Throughout the upcoming season, the Bears organization plans a full slate of anniversary events, from throwback games to fan meet-and-greets, all designed to relive those glory days. Blue Run's bottle slots right in, offering a tangible piece of the party you can take home and nurse over stories with the guys.
At its core, though, this release is about the whiskey itself—a testament to Blue Run's relentless pursuit of perfection. Distilled in the rolling hills of Georgetown, Kentucky, where bourbon's soul was born, the brand was founded on a simple creed: honor the past while pushing the envelope. Their award-winning lineup, including both bourbons and ryes, comes to life through a blend of time-tested methods and bold innovation. Take the head of whiskey development and innovation, Shaylyn Gammon—she's the quiet force steering the ship, overseeing every mash bill, every barrel selection, and every masterful blend that turns raw spirit into liquid poetry.
Gammon's touch shines in this high-rye expression, where the rye brings a peppery kick that dances on the tongue, balanced by sweet corn notes and a finish that lingers like the roar of a packed stadium. It's bottled at cask strength territory without the burn, making it ideal for sipping neat on a leather armchair or mixing into an old fashioned that could fuel a late-night debate over the greatest Bears defense ever. And that Viceroy butterfly? It's more than decoration. For Blue Run, it symbolizes the transformation of an industry that's been around since George Washington's day—shedding old skins to invite in a new crowd, folks who might not have grown up with a decanter on the sideboard but are ready to dive into the depth of a well-made pour.
Blue Run Spirits isn't new to the winner's circle. They've racked up accolades that would make any distiller beam: Platinum and Gold medals from the ASCOT Awards, nods from the TAG Global Spirits Judging, and top honors at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. These aren't participation trophies; they're stamps of approval from panels of grizzled experts who've tasted it all. Yet for all the shiny hardware, Blue Run stays grounded, focusing on elegant packaging and approachable luxury that doesn't intimidate. It's whiskey for the everyman who appreciates a good story with his dram—much like the tales spun around that '85 Bears locker room.
Come October, these limited-edition bottles hit shelves, but they're not everywhere. Fans in Illinois will find them at heavy hitters like Binny’s Beverage Depot, Jewel-Osco, and Costco, plus other top-notch spots around the state. For those willing to hunt a bit further, Seelbach’s offers a reliable online lifeline. Stock up quick, though; with the Bears' anniversary buzz building, these could vanish faster than a Gale Sayers juke move. If you're planning a watch party or just a quiet evening reflecting on what made that season sing, this bourbon's your wingman—robust enough to stand alone, versatile enough to share.
In a world where sports memorabilia piles up in attics and collectibles gather dust, Blue Run's tribute stands out as something you can actually enjoy. It's a bridge between generations: the dads who lived those '85 Sundays in real time, passing the torch to sons and grandsons who only know the highlights from grainy YouTube clips. Pour a round, crank up "Super Bowl Shuffle," and let the memories flow. Because if there's one thing the Monsters taught us, it's that true legends don't fade—they just get better with age, like a fine Kentucky straight. For more on Blue Run's lineup and where to snag your bottle, head over to their site at bluerunspirits.com. Here's to the Bears, the bourbon, and the unbreakable bond that keeps us coming back for more.
