Blue Run Spirits is the Spirit of 2023

In the 1700s the first settlers of Kentucky were mostly farmers and frontiersmen, they discovered that getting crops to market over narrow trails and steep mountains was a challenging task, and they soon learned that converting corn and other grains to whiskey made them easily transportable and prevented excess grains from rotting. Since then countless generations of Kentuckians have continued the heritage and time-honored tradition of making fine Bourbon, unchanged by the process used by their ancestors centuries before. One of Kentucky’s original counties was Bourbon County, which was established in 1785 when Kentucky was still a part of Virginia. Farmers shipped their whiskey in oak barrels, stamped from Bourbon County, down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans. The long trip aged the whiskey, with the oak wood giving it a distinct mellow flavor and amber color. Pretty soon, whiskey from Bourbon County grew in popularity and became known as Bourbon whiskey. In 1964, Congress officially recognized Bourbon’s place historically, and its future, by declaring it a distinctive product of the United States. Or, as many like to say, “America’s Official Native Spirit.” Today, Bourbon is a signature industry that helps create thousands of jobs, generating hundreds of millions in tax revenue each year, and achieving constant growth as an international symbol of Kentucky craftsmanship and tradition.

Following the tradition of Bourbon being celebrated amongst loved ones and aficionados, also known affectionately as a community spirit, Blue Run Spirits has established a distinctive mark since its launch in 2020. Following their exquisite design and attention to detail from sleek lines to their beautiful premium glass, and 22k gold applied directly to the bottle, spotlighting the Butterly, an icon while perceived as controversial because it “may lean traditionally a little bit more feminine in bourbon, which traditionally people think it leans a little bit more masculine”, it’s no surprise that their bottles stand out amongst others, capturing the attention of bourbon drinkers around the world. The butterfly medallion symbolizes the metamorphosis of the world of whiskies, as Blue Run Spirits introduces their bourbons and ryes, to a broader more diverse generation of spirits enthusiasts. “Drink better, Drink together, It’s the beginning of Bourbon” is honoring tradition and giving a fresh experience while preserving bourbon history and DNA. The foundation of their success stems from none of the founders having any experience in the alcohol industry. Launched by a group of friends and bourbon lovers, global designer for Nike (Devon McKinney), a Facebook veteran, a hospitality executive, a political advisor, and a philanthropist. Behind this incredible bourbon, you will find the iconic Jim Rutledge, a 50-year industry veteran and former Master Distiller of Four Roses Bourbon. Honoring heritage and looking forward, by creating exceptional whiskeys and new traditions, Blue Run Spirits has become the most sought-after and superlative spirit of the Millenium.

I had the opportunity to speak to Devon McKinney about their astounding journey to creating this award-winning bourbon, the inspiration behind the icon, and plans for the future of Blue Run Spirits.

Watch the full interview below:

Bourbon enthusiast, Kevin Amick, joined me for a tasting of Blue Run Spirits’, Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon Whiskey, 111 proof. I myself, am relatively new to the bourbon world over the last few years, however, this High Rye Bourbon Whiskey is incredibly smooth, the flavor profile is so enjoyable it keeps you coming back, and that warm Kentucky hug gives it the perfect finish, I must say this was by far one of the best bourbons I’ve ever tasted and is my favorite selection for 2023.

Watch the full tasting experience below:

For more information go to Blue Run Spirits

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Tags: Abbie Knights, blue run spirits, bourbon, Devon McKinney, kentucky bourbon, Nike, Whiskey

About the Author

Abbie Knights has worked in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. Currently, she is also the host of her radio show "The Abbie Knights Show" with over 100,000 listeners per show, available on FM Radio, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify.