Blue Run announced the launch of its third collection of “micro batch” whiskeys within its Flight Series on Tuesday. This particular collection of six whiskeys stands out in that it is the first to feature a blend of both Kentucky Straight Rye and Kentucky Bourbon. Each offering in the series has a suggested retail price of $124.99.
“The unique challenge of blending two American whiskey styles across four mashbills can only be recognized as a journey of discovery,” said Head of Whiskey Development and Innovation Shaylyn Gammon in a statement. “Marrying decadent vanilla and honey with spice and savory components naturally results in harmonics that stand out on 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.”
Blue Run shares that the contract distilleries used within the series are Bardstown Bourbon Company, Castle & Key and one “undisclosed facility.” The whiskeys matured in barrels with $3 and #4 char, and spent time maturing in non-temperature-controlled warehouses in Bardstown, according to the brand.
Blue Run shared that the bourbon and rye mashbills used within the series consist of a 6-year-old Kentucky straight rye distilled from a mashbill of 12% corn, 80% rye and 8% malted barley. Another rye used featured a slightly younger 5-year age statement, and originated from a mashbill of 12% corn, 80% rye and 8% malted barley.
The brand used two bourbons, both possessing a 5-year-old age statement. One bourbon possessed a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley, the other featured a slightly higher percentage of rye (30%) and featured 65% corn and 5% malted barley.
A Closer Look at Blue Run’s Flight Series III
Beach & Blooms
This expression drew its inspiration from the flowers that grow along the ocean shores. This whiskey clocks in at 109.5 proof and has a nose that is confection-driven, with chocolate and cinnamon. On the palate, picture plum and ripe pineapples. Spice dominates the earthy finish.
Buck & Brush
This cowboy and desert-inspired dram clocks in at a barrel-proof 110.7 proof. The whiskey’s sweet and citrus-driven nose has a pleasant kick of spice, and the palate carries through that citrus note with notes of orange and sassafras. Rich black cherries interplay with black peppers on the finish.
Filly & Fiddle
Quite possibly the perfect pour for country music aficionados, Filly & Fiddle takes its inspiration from Bluegrass music and the Kentucky Derby. It clocks in at 111.3 proof, and the nose offers up orchard fruit and honey. The palate leads with apple goodness, golden raisins and caramel. This whiskey finishes as smooth as butter, with light char lingering throughout.
Fit & Flair
City slickers, this one’s for you. Blue Run’s Fit & Flair pays homage to “the grit and glamor of U.S. urban locales.” With its smoky nose and nutty, chocolatey palate, this 117-proof whiskey boasts a decadent finish that’s pure dessert and spice.
Sails & Rails
Sails & Rails honors America’s waterways and rail lines, and this whiskey clocks in at 115 proof. With a nose full of vanilla and a palate loaded with bananas and wood, this woody whiskey sees plenty of oak throughout. The finish is plenty dry, with more oak.
Sun & Salt
Sun & Salt is pure summer days, and the 110.2 proof whiskey possesses a nose of whiskey-infused Bananas Foster. Layers of sour apple and banana interplay beautifully throughout the palate, coupled with toffee and demerara sugar. The finish is potent with a “sandy” dryness.
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