Blue Run Launches Third In Flight Series

Blue Run Spirits is releasing the third collection of the Blue Run Flight Series, a collection of “micro batch” whiskeys that showcase contrasting bourbon and rye types. Crafted by Coors Spirits Co. (Blue Run’s parent company) Head of Whiskey Development and Innovation, Shaylyn Gammon, the six micro-batch whiskey expressions that make up each “Flight” utilize no more than four barrels and mash bills. Collectively, each expression celebrates a theme as an homage to the alluring contrasts across America’s varied cultures and landscapes. Each whiskey, however, stands on its own demonstrating Gammon’s unique creativity and extraordinary sensory talent.

“The unique challenge of blending two American Whiskey styles across four mash bills can only be recognized as a journey of discovery,” said Gammon. “Marrying decadent vanilla and honey with spice and savory components naturally results in harmonics that stand out in the nose and on the palate. But the melody created with more subtle and balanced flavors is where the true artistry of these whiskeys is revealed. Consistent with the past Flight Series releases, Series III is an expressive collection of whiskey innovation.”

Flight Series III is the first of Blue Run Flight Series to blend both Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Kentucky Straight Rye. Previous Flight Series releases utilized different sensory inspirations. Flight Series I delivered the artistry of Kentucky Straight Bourbon blends from various sources. For Flight Series II, much of the sensory aspect of its creation was done outdoors highlighting the contrast of flavors Shaylyn experienced in nature, where the whiskey reacts differently than in a still, climate-controlled lab.

Each expression in the flight is a unique opportunity to enjoy a world-class whiskey that is a variation on a theme. Whiskey aficionados will want to add all six Flights to their collections to uncover the pronounced differences between each Kentucky Straight Blend. The contract distilleries include Castle & Key, Bardstown Bourbon Company and another undisclosed facility. All barrels featured #3 and #4 char and were aged, for a time, in non-temperature-controlled warehouses in Bardstown.

The expressions in Flight Series III include:

#1 Beach & Blooms

Inspired by Beaches & Blossoms – The contrasting beauty of floral plant life abutting beach laden shores

109.9 PROOF

54.95 ALC/VOL

NOSE: The delightful woody aroma of a cinnamon spiced chocolate confection

PALATE: The luscious sweetness of plum and ripe pineapple melt with the dried fruit and dark sugars of cocoa, reminiscent of a rich fondu

FINISH: A mild earthiness that builds into a caramelized sugar finish with lingering spice

#2 Buck & Brush*

Inspired by Buckaroos & Brush – Cowboys (buckaroos) and the western landscape (brush)

110.7 PROOF (*Barrel Proof)

55.35 ALC/VOL

NOSE: A sweet and aromatic burst of citrus that interplays with complex spice

PALATE: Bright and chewy notes of orange lead, as flavors of cinnamon, sassafras, and spearmint pop on the palate

FINISH: Rich black cherry intensifies with the heat of black peppercorn spice

#3 Filly & Fiddle

Inspired by Music & Mares – Iconically American mashups like Bluegrass (music) and Derby (horses)

111.3 PROOF

55.65 ALC/VOL

NOSE: The freshness of green, and punch of crisp apple mellow with the floral of wildflower honey

PALATE: Like a delicious bite of apple crisp, the tang of tart apples is balanced with the earthy sweetness of honey, maple, golden raisin and caramel

FINISH: A smooth, buttery finish with light char

#4 Fit & Flair*

Inspired by Spunk & Style – The grit and glamour of U.S. urban locales

117 PROOF (*Barrel Proof)

58.5 ALC/VOL

NOSE: A smoky and toasted aroma of nuts roasting over a summer campfire

PALATE: A gourmet combination of savory dry roasted nuts mixed with candied dried fruit that’s lightly drizzled with caramel and chocolate

FINISH: A decadent finish of lingering caramel and warm black pepper spice

#5 Sails & Rails

Inspired by Waterways & Railway Lines – The Waterways & Railway Lines that stretch across America

115 PROOF

57.5 ALC/VOL

NOSE: The nose fills with the full-bodied fragrance of vanilla extract

PALATE: Like well-ripened bananas smoked over peach wood, honeyed sweetness, toasted wood, and earthiness play on the palate

FINISH: A woody expression that concludes with a dry finish

#6 Sun & Salt

Inspired by Sunshine & Surf – Where sunshine kisses sandy shores

110.2 PROOF

55.1 ALC/VOL

NOSE: A mouthwatering aroma of warm, whiskey-infused Bananas Foster

PALATE: Flavors of juicy sour apple are offset with the creamy tropical notes of banana, combining with the rich and buttery toffee flavors of demerara sugar

FINISH: A robust profile culminating in a sandy dry finish

Flight series Bourbon and Rye mashbills:

6YO Kentucky Straight Rye Barrels (12c/80r/0w/8b)

5YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Barrels (75c/21r/0w/4b)

5YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Barrels (65c/30r/0w/5b)

5YO Kentucky Straight Rye Barrels (12c/80r/0w/8b)

Each Blue Run Flight Series III is available for $124.99 SRP.