Blue Run Spirits has unveiled the third collection of its Flight Series, introducing six micro-batch whiskeys that blend Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Kentucky Straight Rye for the first time. The limited releases celebrate contrasts in American culture and landscapes.

Crafted by Coors Spirits Co. Head of Whiskey Development and Innovation Shaylyn Gammon, each expression utilises no more than four barrels and mashbills, distinguishing this release from previous Flight Series collections.

First Bourbon-Rye blend in Flight Series

“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.”

The new collection marks a departure from previous Flight Series releases. Series I focused exclusively on Kentucky Straight Bourbon blends from various sources. Series II emphasised outdoor sensory creation, where Gammon explored how whiskey reacts differently in nature compared to controlled lab environments. Blue Run Flight Series III, however, focuses on blending both bourbon and rye. 

Blue Run Flight Series III 

The whiskeys in Blue Run Flight Series III are: 

#1 Beach & Blooms (54.95% ABV) 

Inspired by Beaches & Blossoms – The contrasting beauty of floral plant life abutting beach laden shores

Nose: The delightful woody aroma of a cinnamon spiced chocolate confection
Palate: The luscious sweetness of plum and ripe pineapple melt with the dried fruit and dark sugars of cocoa, reminiscent of a rich fondue
Finish: A mild earthiness that builds into a caramelized sugar finish with lingering spice

#2 Buck & Brush (55.35% ABV)

Inspired by Buckaroos & Brush – Cowboys (buckaroos) and the western landscape (brush)

Nose: A sweet and aromatic burst of citrus that interplays with complex spice
Palate: Bright and chewy notes of orange lead, as flavors of cinnamon, sassafras, and spearmint pop on the palate
Finish: Rich black cherry intensifies with the heat of black peppercorn spice

#3 Filly & Fiddle (55.65% ABV)

Inspired by Music & Mares – Iconically American mashups like Bluegrass (music) and Derby (horses)

Nose: The freshness of green, and punch of crisp apple mellow with the floral of wildflower honey
Palate: Like a delicious bite of apple crisp, the tang of tart apples is balanced with the earthy sweetness of honey, maple, golden raisin and caramel
Finish: A smooth, buttery finish with light char

#4 Fit & Flair* (58.5% ABV)

Inspired by Spunk & Style – The grit and glamour of U.S. urban locales

Nose: A smoky and toasted aroma of nuts roasting over a summer campfire
Palate: A gourmet combination of savory dry roasted nuts mixed with candied dried fruit that’s lightly drizzled with caramel and chocolate
Finish: A decadent finish of lingering caramel and warm black pepper spice

#5 Sails & Rails (57.5% ABV) 

Inspired by Waterways & Railway Lines – The Waterways & Railway Lines that stretch across America

Nose: The nose fills with the full-bodied fragrance of vanilla extract
Palate: Like well-ripened bananas smoked over peach wood, honeyed sweetness, toasted wood, and earthiness play on the palate
Finish: A woody expression that concludes with a dry finish

#6 Sun & Salt (55.1% ABV)

Inspired by Sunshine & Surf – Where sunshine kisses sandy shores

Nose: A mouthwatering aroma of warm, whiskey-infused Bananas Foster
Palate: Flavors of juicy sour apple are offset with the creamy tropical notes of banana, combining with the rich and buttery toffee flavors of demerara sugar
Finish: A robust profile culminating in a sandy dry finish

Production Details and Availability

The contract distilleries include Castle & Key, Bardstown Bourbon Company, and another undisclosed facility. All barrels featured #3 and #4 char levels and were aged in non-temperature-controlled warehouses in Bardstown, Kentucky.

Blue Run’s signature white pearlised butterfly medallion adorns each bottle, with the blue tint appearing when light strikes at specific angles. Individual neck labels reflect each expression’s unique name.

Blue Run Flight Series III is available for $124.99 and can be found across 24 US states, including California, Florida, Kentucky, New York, and Texas. The collection is available through authorised retailers listed on Blue Run’s website.

“Consistent with the past Flight Series releases, Series III is an expressive collection of whiskey innovation,” Gammon added.

Read the full article at Blue Run Spirits Launches Flight Series III