Blue Run Reflection Straight Bourbon

Overview
Blue Run Reflection Straight Bourbon represents Blue Run Spirits' commitment to precision in barrel selection, drawing on a limited lot of 200 barrels distilled in 2018 at Castle & Key Distillery under the guidance of Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge. This no-age-statement release aims to deliver balanced complexity for both novice and seasoned bourbon enthusiasts.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Blue Run Spirits, a rising name in bourbon advised by Jim Rutledge, contracts distillation at Castle & Key in Frankfort, Kentucky, selecting barrels toasted to level 3 or 4 char and aged in Frankfort or Bardstown. Bottled at 95 proof from a curated lot of 200 barrels, it carries an MSRP of $100 and remains available online despite initial sold-out status.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Ginger spice leads with hazelnut, dark cherries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a herbal rosemary lift.
• Palate: Hazelnut and ginger spice open into maple sweetness, layered with oak and butterscotch for a balanced, nutty core. The interplay of sweet and spice builds medium body without overwhelming.
• Finish: Tobacco emerges alongside returning fruitiness and baking spices; maple sweetness gently fades to a lingering warmth.

Notable details

• Production: Barrels toasted to level 3 or 4 char; bottled at 95 proof.
• Lineage: Blue Run Spirits, advised by Jim Rutledge; contract distilled at Castle & Key.
• Availability: Limited release from Fall Batch 08/30/2022, priced at $100 MSRP.

"Blue Run Reflection I is a fantastic bourbon that excels in balancing sweetness and spice for a complex tasting experience." – Whiskey Reviewer

Closing
A poised, spice-driven bourbon that bridges accessibility and depth in the modern NAS category.

Sources

[1] Whiskeyreviewer – "Blue Run Reflection I Bourbon Review"

[2] Drinkhacker – "Review: Blue Run Reflection I Bourbon"

[3] Bourbonbanter – "Blue Run Spirits Releases Reflection II Bourbon"

[4] Breakingbourbon – "Blue Run Reflection II Review | Breaking Bourbon"

[5] Breakingbourbon – "Press Release: Blue Run Spirits Releases Reflection II Bourbon"

[6] Breakingbourbon – "Blue Run Reflection 1 Straight Bourbon Review | Breaking Bourbon"

[7] Whiskeyreviewer – "Blue Run Follows Up With Reflection II Bourbon – The Whiskey Reviewer"

[8] Thewhiskeywash – "Blue Run Bourbon Review: Reflection 1 & High Rye Batch 2 Kentucky Whiskeys"

[9] Thewhiskeywash – "Blue Run Bourbon Review: Reflection 1 & High Rye Batch 2 Kentucky Whiskeys"

[10] Breakingbourbon – "Press Release: BLUE RUN SPIRITS UNVEILS “REFLECTION I” KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON FROM HALL OF FAMER JIM RUTLEDGE"