Just in time for Father’s Day, Coors Spirits Co. has introduced Blue Run’s first whiskey release of the year, the Blue Run Flight Series II. This release is part of their acclaimed "micro batch" bourbon series and includes six distinct whiskeys crafted from Blue Run’s renowned Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon. These limited editions are now available at select fine spirits retailers.
Micro-Batch Magic
Blue Run defines a micro batch as a collection of two to five barrels. For the Flight Series II, each of the six unique “Flights” comprises three to four barrels, skillfully blended by Shaylyn Gammon, Blue Run’s Head of Whiskey Development and Innovation. The small scale of these micro batches allows Shaylyn’s award-winning blending expertise to create exceptional and unique flavor profiles in each release.
An Outdoor Sensory Experience
A standout feature of the Flight Series II is its unique creation process. Unlike the first series, released in October 2022, much of the sensory evaluation for this series was conducted outdoors. Shaylyn tested the blends in the fresh Kentucky air, around 80 degrees, allowing the interplay of the environment to enhance the whiskey's sensory attributes. This outdoor approach, termed “In Situ Whiskey” by Shaylyn, aims to reflect how whiskey enthusiasts typically enjoy their drinks, outside of a distillery lab setting.
“I envisioned these blends being enjoyed in a favorite outdoor setting,” Shaylyn explains, “This is why I conducted my sensory tests outside, since no whiskey fan is ever going to be experiencing their whiskey in a distillery laboratory.”
Distinctive Flights
Each Flight in the Series II showcases unique characteristics from well-respected distilleries, including Castle & Key, Bardstown Bourbon Company, and another undisclosed facility. All barrels used featured a #4 alligator char and were aged in non-temperature-controlled warehouses in Bardstown. The signature Blue Run butterfly medallion on the bottles is Blue Pearlized, designed to evoke the outdoor setting where the whiskeys were crafted.
Flight Profiles
Biscayne Breeze
- Proof: 114.1
- Barrels Blended: 3
- Cases Available: 115
- Notes: Roasted cashews, candied Maraschino cherry, dark caramel, warm cinnamon roll, dark fruits, weathered oak, baking spice, vanilla.
Joshua Tree Sunrise
- Proof: 117 (Barrel Proof)
- Barrels Blended: 3
- Cases Available: 112
- Notes: Butterscotch, dry baking spices, warm rye bread, wildflower honey, leather, oak.
Miami Sunset
- Proof: 115
- Barrels Blended: 4
- Cases Available: 150
- Notes: Creamy oatmeal, almond, French vanilla, cinnamon, white chocolate, toasted almonds, nougat, black pepper, weathered oak, vanilla.
Santa Monica Pier
- Proof: 115.1
- Barrels Blended: 4
- Cases Available: 112
- Notes: Butter pecan, pistachio ice cream, waffle cone, rich vanilla, white pepper, ripe figs, cinnamon dusted walnuts.
Tahoe Powder
- Proof: 116 (Barrel Proof)
- Barrels Blended: 3
- Cases Available: 106
- Notes: Spiced wine, dark cherries, heavy cream, citrus peel, buttered toasted rye bread, leather, sweet pipe tobacco, floral notes.
Yosemite Pine
- Proof: 116.6 (Barrel Proof)
- Barrels Blended: 3
- Cases Available: 106
- Notes: Honeydew melon, ripe orange, orange marmalade pastry, dried unroasted coconut.
Each bottle of Blue Run Flight Series II is priced at $119.99, making it a collectible and thoughtful gift for any bourbon aficionado. These limited-edition whiskeys not only promise a unique tasting experience but also a piece of the artisanal and outdoor spirit in which they were crafted.
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.
