More to Enjoy
- Raided Score: 88
- Publication: Whiskey Raiders
- Excerpt: I really like this first chapter of barrel-proof rye and am curious to see how future batches present.
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- Raided Score: 89
- Publication: Distiller
- Excerpt: Adding water will soften the whiskey up and some sweeter aromas come through, particularly maple syrup. But while the rye becomes softer and fuller, the hearty savory rye is what remains. Rye fans should be pleased.
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- Raided Score: 86
- Publication: Drink Hacker
- Excerpt: Like many bottles of Blue Run released to date, this one carries a wallet-wilting asking price that nearly threatens to make it as difficult to recommend as it is pleasurable to enjoy. Fortunately, thanks to its impressive balance of flavors and intriguing complexity, it remains mostly in the latter camp – making it yet another butterfly worth catching while it lasts.
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Intro:
Released in November 2022, this is the first Blue Run rye to be contract-distilled by Liquid Advisor and Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Jim Rutledge at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. It was blended by Wild Turkey alum Shaylyn Gammon. Coming in at 116.7 proof, it is also the first Blue Run rye to be bottled at barrel proof.
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Nose:
Sweet and fruity on the nose. Apples, pears, honey, sweet buttercream and a touch of clove jump up.
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Taste:
On the palate, there’s a pleasant viscosity, albeit at the price of some heat. It’s spicy, every proof point of its 58-and-change-percent ABV greet you. Big cinnamon, clove, a touch of brown sugar, some praline.
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Finish:
Long finish, spicy but satisfying. Maple, red hots, apple butter for days.
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Overall:
Blue Run seems to be developing a house profile: rich flavors but at the obligation of some extra heat. Once again, fans of meek, exceptionally smooth whiskey need not apply. I really like this first chapter of barrel-proof rye and am curious to see how future batches present.
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Score:
6
- Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources