In the world of whiskey, where tradition often reigns supreme, every now and then something comes along that shakes things up without losing that classic soul. Enter Glimmer, the latest offering from Blue Run Spirits—a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that's been given a clever finish in gin barrels. This isn't just another bottle on the shelf; it's a limited edition that's turning heads among those who appreciate a good pour with a story behind it.
Blue Run Spirits, known for pushing boundaries while honoring bourbon's roots, rolled out Glimmer as their second finished whiskey release overall. What makes this one stand out is the hand behind it: Shaylyn Gammon, the Head of Whiskey Development and Innovation at Coors Spirits Co. She's the mastermind who crafted this as her inaugural barrel-finished bourbon for the Blue Run lineup. Gammon took a solid Kentucky Straight Bourbon and let it rest in barrels that previously cradled Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin. These aren't your average casks—they're American oak, toasted and charred to perfection, and they spent anywhere from seven to twelve months soaking up the essence of a unique botanical gin before the bourbon moved in.
The result? A whiskey bottled at a robust 103.2 proof, which clocks in at 51.6% ABV. That's got enough kick to satisfy folks who like their drinks with some backbone, but it's smooth enough to sip neat on a quiet evening. When you crack open a bottle of Glimmer, the first thing that hits you is the aroma—subtle botanicals mingling with a gentle whisper of pine, like a fresh walk through the woods after a light rain. It's intriguing, pulling you in without overwhelming the senses.
On the palate, things get even more interesting. There's a warm honeyed sweetness that coats the tongue, but it's kept in check by a dash of cardamom spice and faint herbal notes that echo the gin's influence. It's like the bourbon and gin worlds had a polite conversation and decided to team up, creating layers that unfold with each sip. And the finish? That's where the magic lingers—a balanced blend of barrel toast and char, wrapping up with rich cocoa undertones that add a touch of depth and complexity. It's the kind of whiskey that rewards patience, perfect for those moments when you're kicking back after a long day, maybe sharing a glass with an old friend or just reflecting on life's twists.
But Glimmer isn't all about what's inside the bottle; the packaging tells its own tale. Blue Run went with a glass design that catches the light in an iridescent shimmer, chosen specifically to highlight this as Gammon's debut finished release. Topping it off is a medallion featuring a soft violet viceroy butterfly, which ties into the prismatic play of colors on the bottle. It's elegant without being flashy, the sort of detail that makes you want to display it on your bar cart rather than hide it away in a cabinet.
For whiskey enthusiasts across the country, the good news is that Glimmer is hitting shelves nationwide right now. Priced at a suggested retail of $149.99 for a 750ml bottle, it's positioned as a premium pick—worth the splurge for something truly one-of-a-kind. Given it's a limited edition, savvy collectors might want to grab one sooner rather than later, before it becomes one of those "remember when" stories at the local tavern.
What sets Glimmer apart in a crowded bourbon market is how it bridges the familiar with the unexpected. Bourbon purists might raise an eyebrow at the gin finish at first, but one taste reveals a thoughtful evolution that respects the spirit's heritage while inviting new flavors to the party. It's a reminder that innovation doesn't have to mean reinventing the wheel—just giving it a fresh spin.
As the whiskey scene continues to evolve, releases like this keep things exciting for those who've been around the block a few times. Whether you're building a collection or just looking for that next memorable dram, Glimmer offers a glimpse into what happens when craftsmanship meets creativity. It's not every day you find a bourbon that whispers of botanicals and pine, dances with honey and spice, and leaves you with echoes of cocoa and char. If you're the type who enjoys exploring the nuances of a fine whiskey, this one's worth seeking out—before the glimmer fades.