Coors’ Blue Run Whiskey Brand Raises a Glass to Scenic Places Like Joshua Tree With 2nd Flight Series Release

Blue Run Spirits announced on Tuesday Flight Series II, a release composed of six “micro-batch” whiskeys. Each expression has a suggested retail price of $119.99.

The collection features six whiskeys inspired by scenic outdoor locations, and each one is sourced from between two to five barrels as part of the brand’s micro-batching process.

“I envisioned these blends being enjoyed in a favorite outdoor setting when nature is trying its hardest to capture your attention and deserves a toast in appreciation,” Blue Run Spirits Head of Whiskey Development and Innovation Shaylyn Gammon said in a news release. “This is why I conducted my sensory tests outside since no whiskey fan is ever going to be experiencing their whiskey in a distillery laboratory. I fondly call this my ‘In Situ Whiskey’ because it was made, in part, where I thought it best to be enjoyed.”

Blue Run initially released Flight Series I in October 2022, and the brand took the creation process to the great outdoors for this release.

The collection features six expressions of Blue Run’s Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon Whiskey, and Gammon sourced the barrels from different distilleries. She spent the majority of her time tasting these whiskeys outdoors and focused heavily on how the humid, 80-degree Kentucky air would influence the whiskeys.

Some of the distilleries the brand chose to work with for this year’s Flight Series release included Castle & Key, Bardstown Bourbon Company and an anonymous distillery. The barrels were aged in #4 alligator char barrels in non-temperature controlled warehouses in Bardstown.

Blue Run was acquired by Molson Coors in August, marking the beer giant’s first spirits acquisition. The brand released “Trifecta” — a blend of 6-year, 8- and 9-year-old bourbons — a few weeks after the acquisition.

Blue Run Spirits Flight Series II Details and Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

1. Biscayne Breeze

Availability: 115 6-pack cases

Proof: 114.1

Nose: Candied Maraschino cherries, dark caramel and roasted cashews

Taste: Warm cinnamon rolls and dark fruits like plums and blackberries

Finish: Weathered oak, baking spice and vanilla

2. Joshua Tree Sunrise

Availability: 112 cases

Proof: 117

Nose: Warm, chewy butterscotch

Taste: Spice-forward butterscotch, dry baking spices and warm rye bread with wildflower honey

Finish: Leather and oak

3. Miami Sunset

Availability: 150 cases

Proof: 115

Nose: Creamy oatmeal, almond, French vanilla and a light dusting of cinnamon

Taste: White chocolate, toasted almonds and nougat, with fresh cracked black pepper on the tail end of the palate that dissipates quickly

Finish: Lightly weathered oak and concentrated vanilla

4. Santa Monica Pier

Availability: 112 cases

Proof: 115.1

Nose: Butter pecan, pistachio ice cream and warm waffle cone

Taste: Rich vanilla, white pepper, and ripe figs

Finish: Cinnamon dusted walnuts

5. Tahoe Powder

Availability: 106 cases

Proof: 116

Nose: Warm spiced wine, dark cherries, heavy cream, and citrus peel

Taste: Buttered toasted rye bread, worn leather, and sweet pipe tobacco

Finish: Slight floral notes, clean and short, following the bold initial spice

6. Yosemite Pine

Availability: 106 cases

Proof: 116.6

Nose: Crisp, sweet and mildly floral bouquet with essence of fresh honeydew melon and ripe orange

Taste: Orange marmalade pastry

Finish: Dried unroasted coconut

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