(Image Source: Blue Run)

Blue Run has been steadily sweeping over America since its first bottling in 2020, quickly becoming one of the most talked about brands in American whiskey.

Last year, the brand began incorporating more rye into the mix, with the release of its Golden Rye whiskey.

Now Blue Run is doubling down on rye with its first barrel proof rye - Blue Run Emerald Rye Whiskey.

The whiskey was produced by advisor Jim Rutledge at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, using a total of 189 barrels. This created a "whiskey that embraces the distinct, spicy characteristics of rye whiskey, yet with the approachability and depth of a fine bourbon".  

(Image Source: Blue Run)

“This was an incredibly fun project to work on as I asked the Blue Run team what aspects of Rye Whiskey they truly loved,

I then went about focusing my blend on those key attributes, zeroing in on fragrant herbs, fresh peppers and robust spice. Those three prominent notes provide the foundation for a complex, deep flavor experience all the way through to the finish.” 

- Shaylyn Gammon, Blue Run Whiskey Director

The Emerald barrels, of three different mash bills of varying proportions of core rye grain were blended by Blue Run Whiskey Director Shaylyn Gammon to emphasise Blue Run's ideal flavor profil. These were aged at different locations more than fifty miles apart in Bardstown and Frankfort. The difference in aging environments is said to add to the expression's approachability.

Official Tasting Note

Aroma

Emerald Rye offers butterscotch and creamy caramel aromas leading to toasted oak and spicy peppers.

Taste

Awakens with a quick hit of buttercream and shishito peppers followed by a blast of apples and pears evolving into a woody sprinkling of cloves and rye spice.

Finish

Leaves lasting notes of leather, oak, and brown butter.

(Image Source: Blue Run)

The signature Blue Run butterfly medallion found on every bottle is specially anodised emerald green for this limited expression, and was designed by Blue Run co-founder and Nike sneaker designer Devon McKinney.

This follows in a series of expressions inspired by precious objects, the second butterfly medallion of the lot.

Blue Run Emerald is currently available for US$109.99, and weighs in at 116.7 Proof.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team