Blue Run Spirits: Trifecta Blend & Ready and Raring Bourbon Review & Tasting Notes

 

What is Blue Run Spirits? Established in 2020, the man in charge of whiskey is none other than Jim Rutledge, the former master distiller at Four Roses. He’s called the Liquid Advisor. Co-founder and CEO Mike Montgomery aims to change what Bourbon looks, feels, and tastes like to attract a younger audience. It has begun the development of a massive 35,000 square foot distillery and 20,000 square foot rickhouse in Georgetown, Kentucky, that hones in on this vision.

 

"We've drawn from the great work that the people before us and currently in the industry have put forth, but we've also looked around the world at different examples of the art of the possible." - Mike Montgomery

 

The brand was acquired by Molson Coors this past August. It indicates Blue Run Spirits will remain in its exclusive luxury whiskey category.

 

Today, we’ll investigate two of Blue Run’s offerings: Trifecta Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Ready and Raring Kentucky Straight Bourbon. While these are both high-proof whiskeys, I’ll drink them both neat from my Glencairn glass.

 

First, I must thank Blue Run Spirits for providing me with these samples in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest reviews. Let’s #DrinkCurious.

 

Trifecta Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Trifecta is a blend of three different bourbons sourced from undisclosed distilleries:

 

• 32% 9-year-old: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
• 22% 8-year-old: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
• 46% 6-year-old: 78% Corn, 12% Rye, 10% Malted Barley

 

A 750ml – 58.55% ABV (117.1°) package sells for about $179.99.

 

Appearance: This whiskey was golden brown with an orange hue in my glass. Its microthin rim produced thick, slow, wavy tears.

 

Nose: I smelled caramel, vanilla, cinnamon spice, and nutmeg. I found vanilla, cedar, and oak when I inhaled the air through my lips.

 

Palate: I encountered an oily texture that carried almost no weight. Flavors of apple pie filling and caramel were at its introduction. At the middle, I tasted rye spice, figs, and something floral. The back consisted of oak tannins, clove, and white pepper.   

 

Finish: Trifecta possessed one of those finishes that starts small and ends boldly. It featured charred oak, figs, apples, and tobacco.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: I enjoyed how the Trifecta blend tasted. I’m also a big fan of Jim Rutledge. I believe he’s incredibly talented, and (sorry, Brent) he created the best Four Roses Bourbons the distillery offered.

 

Trifecta is well-balanced, and I’m happy this was packaged at its cask strength. However, I have a rough time justifying the super-premium price it commands. If this was $50 or so less, it would receive top honors from me. For now, it earns my Bar rating.

 

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Ready and Raring Kentucky Straight Bourbon

 

This Bourbon is one of ten from its Double Rickhouse 8-Year Single Barrel Collection, launched this past October. It is the same 8-year-old Bourbon used in the Trifecta blend (75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley).  

 

While we still don’t know who is responsible for the distillate, we know that its last two years of aging occurred at Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Warehouse G. The barrels had a medium toast and were subject to a #3 char. Packaged at 61.6% ABV (123.2°), this one comes with a suggested price of $249.99.

 

Appearance: This Bourbon appeared as a rich, orange amber. A thicker rim formed slow, crooked tears.

 

Nose: The aroma consisted of candied orange slices, cherries, caramel, toasted oak, and vanilla. Drawing it into my mouth, I encountered pure, creamy vanilla.

 

Palate: The texture was thick yet soft and airy. I tasted vanilla, caramel, and cherries on the front of my palate. Flavors of sweet figs, milk chocolate, and freshly shredded tobacco followed. The back offered lightly toasted oak, rye spice, and leather.  

 

Finish: The finish was level and long-lasting. It began with cherries and figs and closed with toasted oak, tobacco, and leather.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: There was nothing that I could call spicy or bold about this Bourbon despite its impressive proof. It tasted great; it was well-rounded and balanced. I found the price challenging with the Trifecta, and it's even more so with Ready and Raring. That’s the only thing stopping this from scoring above my Bar rating. Cheers!

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you to do so responsibly.