Review: Blue Run Glimmer

Blue Run has been fairly quiet this year, but its latest bourbon is far from anything tame. Glimmer is a limited edition release of Kentucky straight bourbon finished in gin barrels.

Crafted by Shaylyn Gammon, Coors Spirits Co. Head of Whiskey Development and Innovation, Glimmer is her first barrel-finished Bourbon release for Blue Run, and the second finished release for the brand. The finish is designed to elevate the top and middle notes of the bourbon by finishing it in Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin barrels—toasted and charred American oak barrels that previously held a singular botanical gin for 7 to 12 months.

Whiskey and gin isn’t a combination that tends to work all that well in cocktails, so what should we expect when the two combine in the barrel? Let’s find out.

Blue Run Glimmer Review

Earthy and very herbal on the nose, the essence of gin is unavoidable here. Sage and thyme burst from the body, and juniper is surprisingly massive aromatically. In time, a charry, dusty quality emerges from the glass, starting off gritty and gravelly before becoming wetter, with leathery notes and turned earth lingering. If you assumed this was an aged gin from the nosing, you would be wholly understood.

The palate definitely has the flavor of aged gin, with heavy herbal elements drying out the experience. Anise notes eventually meander into the men’s cologne aisle, with sandalwood and some vanilla becoming evident. A touch of grated cinnamon and chocolate add at least a nod to the whiskeyverse, but on the whole, it’s again hard to shake the idea that this is really gin, not whiskey. Maybe that’s the point — to make a whiskey for gin lovers? I like gin, but this just never really gelled for me.

One thing I did love about this product is the bottle, which, as the name suggests, is shimmery and indeed glimmering, as much of a statement as what’s inside.

103.2 proof.

B- / $150

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