There are many ways to bring a new whiskey brand to market. One way is to build a new distillery, distill, barrel and wait the appropriate amount of time until you hit that flavor profile you are looking for. Another way is to work with a distiller that was a member of the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and let him use his knowledge to craft a classic Kentucky bourbon in an existing distillery and let time in the barrel do its magic. The latter is the route that Blue Run Spirits has chosen as they work with Master Distiller Jim Rutledge, the longtime master distiller for Four Roses (retired).
Blue Run Spirits has announced its second whiskey release of the year with Blue Run “Reflection I” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, contract distilled by Rutledge at Castle & Key Distillery, the former home to Col. E.H. Taylor, Jr’s, Old Taylor Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. “Reflection I” Kentucky Straight Bourbon was distilled in 2018. Just 200 carefully selected barrels were chosen for this bottling, each toasted to a #3 or #4 charred barrel and aged in Frankfort and Bardstown, Kentucky.
Stay Informed: Sign up here for the Distillery Trail free email newsletter and be the first to get all the latest news, trends, job listings and events in your inbox.
“’Reflection I’ is going to appeal to both the whiskey novice and the seasoned veteran,” said Mike Montgomery, CEO and cofounder of Blue Run Spirits. “This release blends barrels with medium to deep char levels allowing us to marry some very intriguing flavor differences. It is a full-flavored sipper that truly demonstrates Jim Rutledge’s finely honed skills as a distiller.”
The name “Reflection I” was chosen by two of Blue Run’s founders who faced personal challenges over the past two years, in the middle of the pandemic and while launching Blue Run Spirits. Pulled from existing aging stocks, this refined Bourbon, at this particular proof, is what they both enjoyed during this period, allowing them to reflect on what truly matters, starting first and foremost with family.
Reflection I Kentucky Straight Bourbon Tasting Notes
Tasting notes provided by Blue Run say “Reflection I” exhibits Rainier cherries and creamy butterscotch on the nose, followed by fluffy pancakes and maple syrup on the front end, fresh rosemary on the mid palate and an invigorating nutmeg finish. This bottle features precious metal sliver ink and a sterling silver coating on the brand’s signature butterfly medallion.
Blue Run “Reflection I” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV). It is available now with a suggested retail price of $89.99. Blue Run Spirits can be purchased in California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, D.C., Canada, and online through Seelbach’s.
Please help to support Distillery Trail. Sign up for our Newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
