Cass Anderson
Blue Run has just released its first whiskey of the year and the Blue Run Flight Series II Micro Batch releases are an absolute delight.
Blended by Blue Run’s Whiskey Director, Shaylyn Gammon, the Blue Run Flight Series II featured six micro-batch high rye bourbons: Biscayne Breeze (3 barrels blended, 114.1 proof), Joshua Tree Sunrise (3 barrels blended, 117 barrel proof), Miami Sunset (4 barrels blended, 115 proof), Santa Monica Pier (4 barrels blended, 115.1 proof), Tahoe Powder (3 barrels blended, 116 barrel proof), and Yosemite Pine (3 barrels blended, 116.6 barrel proof).
I was fortunate to get my mittens on bottle #401 of 934 of the Miami Sunset and bottle #360 of 658 of the Tahoe Powder and figured there was no better way to dive into this Blue Run Flight Series II release than sampling them side by side. All of the barrels underwent a #4 alligator char before aging in Bardstown.
Side-By-Side Blue Run Flight Series II Taste Test: Miami Sunset vs Tahoe Powder
Cass Anderson
Blue Run Flight Series II ‘Miami Sunset’ is the 3rd of the micro batch releases. It was blended from 4 barrels and it straight-up divine. The first waves are full of French vanilla, almond, oatmeal, and a little cinnamon. On the tongue there’s fresh cracked black pepper from the high rye, white chocolate, nougat, and toasted almonds. It has a long finish of ancient oak and vanilla.
Blue Run Flight Series II ‘Tahoe Powder’ has a little more heat on the tongue even with only 1 more % of proof. There are notes of citrus peel, dark cherries, and spiced wine. On the tongue there’s sweet tobacco, toasted rye bread, and leather with a long finish of vanilla and some floral notes. Blue Run says this one will pair well with a mid-gauge cigar.
Cass Anderson
Ultimately, I tend to prefer higher rye bourbons so both of these Blue Run Flight Series II micro batches fit my taste profile but the ‘Tahoe Powder’ had some extra spice on it that I was looking for.
At the same price points for all of the Blue Run Flight Series II, I’d say I would lean toward re-upping on the ‘Tahoe Powder’ but it was sort of a coin flip for me. I can envision a world where I paired the ‘Miami Sunset’ with some caramel and it is the best thing I drink in 2024. Likewise, I’m a cigar smoker (on occasion) and I can see the ‘Tahoe Powder’ pairing magnificently there.
To order online or track down a bottle, you can visit the Blue Run website. These each retail for an SRP of $119.