Review: Blue Run Flight Series III – Buck & Brush

Blue Run has just dropped the third edition of its Flight Series, a “micro-batch” collection of sourced and blended whiskeys that come in six different sub-editions, each made from just a handful of barrels.

None of Flight Series III’s releases utilize more than four barrels per release. When people say “small batch,” this is what they mean.

The catch with this series is that the whiskeys are all blends of both bourbon and rye, with a total of four mashbills in the mix. I’ll let Blue Run explain, because it’s a lot:

Blue Run Spirits is releasing the third collection of the Blue Run Flight Series, a collection of “micro batch” whiskeys that celebrate the beauty of contrasting bourbon and rye types. Crafted by Coors Spirits Co. Head of Whiskey Development and Innovation, Shaylyn Gammon, the six micro-batch whiskey expressions that make up each “Flight” utilize no more than four barrels and mashbills. Collectively, each expression celebrates a theme as an homage to the alluring contrasts across America’s varied cultures and landscapes. Each whiskey, however, stands on its own demonstrating Gammon’s unique creativity and extraordinary sensory talent.

“The unique challenge of blending two American Whiskey styles across four mashbills can only be recognized as a journey of discovery,” said Gammon. “Marrying decadent vanilla and honey with spice and savory components naturally results in harmonics that stand out in 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.”

Flight Series III is the first of Blue Run Flight Series to blend both Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Kentucky Straight Rye. Previous Flight Series releases utilized different sensory inspirations. Flight Series I delivered the artistry of Kentucky Straight Bourbon blends from various sources. For Flight Series II, much of the sensory aspect of its creation was done outdoors highlighting the contrast of flavors Shaylyn experienced in nature, where the whiskey reacts differently than in a still, climate-controlled lab.

Each expression in the flight is a unique opportunity to enjoy a world-class whiskey that is a variation on a theme. Whiskey aficionados will want to add all six Flights to their collections to uncover the pronounced differences between each Kentucky Straight Blend. The contract distilleries include Castle & Key, Bardstown Bourbon Company and another undisclosed facility. All barrels featured #3 and #4 char and were aged, for a time, in non-temperature-controlled warehouses in Bardstown.

Flight series Bourbon and Rye mashbills:
6YO Kentucky Straight Rye Barrels (12c/80r/0w/8b)
5YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Barrels (75c/21r/0w/4b)
5YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Barrels (65c/30r/0w/5b)
5YO Kentucky Straight Rye Barrels (12c/80r/0w/8b)

We received expression #2, Buck & Brush, which is released at its natural barrel proof of 55.35% abv.

And away we go!

Blue Run Flight Series III – Buck & Brush Review

Aggressively sweet on the nose, this whiskey takes a trip to the dessert cart right away, skipping appetizers and entrees. Notes of caramel corn, coconut cream, and lemon curd offer a surprisingly complex mélange of aromatics up front, with elements of marzipan, baking spice, and a more forceful vanilla note taking hold with time in glass. Keep this one in glass for a while, and immerse yourself in the nose as it builds and builds.

Eventually one must sip the thing, and expectations are hardly dashed: The sweet punchiness continues its dominance, though initial, prominent notes of almond and gingerbread are soon countered by a lively fruitiness — red berries and plum — followed by a subtle twist on the finish, which evokes coffee, then mint.

Fruit and sweet pastry elements continue to linger on the tongue, with just a pinch of pepper to add some heat to the mix. Ultimately, the needle may be leaning just a bit too far into sugary territory here, but those seeking an after-dinner bourbon that will pair perfectly with cherries jubilee or that molten lava cake won’t be disappointed.

110.7 proof.

A- / $125 / bluerunspirits.com

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