Blue Run Spirits, headquartered in Georgetown, Kentucky, has announced the launch of their latest creation, "Trifecta" – a trio of meticulously aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys. Starting August 23, 2023, Trifecta will be available nationwide at various retailers and online at bluerunspirits.com/shop, marking a highly anticipated release following their acclaimed 12 Days of Bourbon holiday collection in 2022.
Trifecta by Blue Run is a small-batch bourbon that exemplifies the intricate art of harmonizing a premium base whiskey with the rich flavors and fragrances derived from older "wood heat" whiskeys. This exquisite blend begins with a carefully crafted six-year-old whiskey, forming just a fraction of the overall liquid composition. To impart depth and character, Shaylyn Gammon, Director of Blue Run Whiskey, skillfully combines this base with two whiskeys aged at the uppermost levels of their respective rickhouses, characterized by what she refers to as "wood heat."
Gammon elaborates, " 'Wood heat' barrels are those that have experienced the most extreme temperatures within the warehouse due to their high placement, which effectively removes water molecules and concentrates alcohol content within the barrel. These barrels, with their higher proof, extract more of the wood's components, imparting a distinctive wood intensity to the whiskey. This requires a knowledgeable and judicious approach during blending."
Gammon handpicked nine- and eight-year-old barrels from Blue Run's extensive inventory of over 5,000 barrels, strategically balancing the spicy notes of the aged whiskeys with the six-year-old Kentucky whiskey. Achieving the perfect blend is a meticulous process, ensuring that the "wood heat" barrels contribute the desired layers of complexity without overpowering the base whiskey. To fine-tune the blend, Gammon utilized 10% more of the nine-year-old whiskey than the eight-year-old, resulting in Trifecta's near-barrel proof of 117.1.
The respective mash bills for the whiskeys are as follows:
- 9-year-old: 78% Yellow Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
- 8-year-old: 75% Yellow Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
- 6-year-old: 78% Yellow Corn, 12% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
And the blend ratios are:
- 9-year-old: 32%
- 8-year-old: 22%
- 6-year-old: 46%
Interestingly, Gammon affectionately dubs the nine-year-old Bourbon in Trifecta as the "Lost Whiskey." After being acquired from a partner distillery, it was discovered that this particular whiskey had mysteriously journeyed from Kentucky to Spain, leading to some head-scratching and logistical challenges in returning it to the Commonwealth.
For those eager to explore the flavor profile, here are the tasting notes:
Nose: Unsalted brown butter, French vanilla cream, warm dark brown sugar and cinnamon, spicy pepper, juicy hints of figs and dehydrated apples.
Taste: Silky, cinnamon spice-dusted candied apple, baked bread, drizzled with caramel and peppermint, white chocolate. Balanced wood char lingers.
Finish: Warm vanilla, weathered oak. Medium finish overall, harmoniously countering the initial warmth.
Blue Run Trifecta Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be available in a 750ml bottle priced at $179.99. Notably, this release features Blue Run's signature butterfly medallion, crafted from pewter—an alloy composed of three distinct metals—an homage to the three distinct aged whiskeys that define Trifecta.
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.
