Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no case, according to our editorial policiesinfluenced the final result of this review.
You may have seen bottles of Blue Run Spirits products. They’re hard to miss, with a cute designed bottle and metallic butterfly. This high-end design is not surprising since Blue Run Spirits was founded by 5 entrepreneurs whose goal was to “sneakerize” the whiskey industry.
CEO/co-founder Mike Montgomery said at one point:“There is such a buzz around new high-end tennis shoes these days. People line up for hours and are so excited to score a pair. We thought, why not apply some of their principles to the bourbon industry and help it evolve?
They have been successful in this area in part because the quality of their whiskey matches the premium bottle design, thanks in large part to Jim Rutledge, a Bourbon Hall of Famer with over 50 years of experience. They released their first 13-year-old bourbon in 2020, to critical acclaim. It is important to note that Blue Run Spirits was not the distiller, however; Rutledge chose this version from 30 to 50 samples.
Fast forward to 2023, and Blue Run has unveiled designs for a new distillery, which will measure 35,000 square feet, and a 20,000 square foot rickhouse. And a few months later, they were acquired by acquisition by the North American brewer Molson Coors. The good news is that the Blue Run whiskey team, including Rutledge and whiskey director Shaylyn Gammon, alongside company founders Mike Montgomery, Tim Sparapani, Jesse McKnight and Andy Brown, will remain with the brand.
What I’m reviewing here today was released a few months ago to celebrate Father’s Day as part of 10 individual barrels. This particular version is barrel #68593/07F. It is a double oak, single barrel and described as the company’s first whiskey finished in new, charred oak barrels.
According to Seelbach, “Blue Run’s first whiskey aged in two distinct new American white oak barrels – both with a medium toasting level n°3. The first cask does the heavy lifting, aging the good whiskey for most of its journey. But before bottling, the craft whiskey is then put into another new barrel for a final finish that imparts extra sweetness from the novelty of this charcoal, pairing perfectly with the spiciness of the concentrated rye flavors.
We review Blue Run Spirits Double Oak Single Barrel Rye, the company’s first whiskey finished in new, charred oak barrels. (image via Blue Run Spirits)
Tasting Notes: Blue Run Spirits Double Oak Single Barrel Rye
Vital Stats: Double-barrel and single-barrel rye; No age declaration; 106.2 proof. Recommended price: 199.99.
Appearance: Dear.
Nose: Beautiful woodiness, light aromas of berry jam, notes of orange peel. I also had a bit of char as if it were a well-cooked barbecued steak.
Palace: Nice blend of oak and sweetness. Little burn at the end, very pleasant, as if to say that I’m still here! I also get some candied orange peel coated in dark chocolate. The spiciness of the mint also appears towards the end and lingers.
