Now let me start by saying this is not a bad review, but if you are an enthusiast, or get excited about finding a great bottle on the shelf, then you can relate to my experience. After reading rave reviews, and watching several WhiskeyTubers absolutely love this bottle, I decided it was finally time to head out to see if I could find a bottle from this distillery for myself. It took a bit of time, as this distillery is not easy to find in NoCo, but one of my favorite local stores has started to carry a few of these bottles. Coming from the Blue Run Distillery, today’s review is of Blue Run Reflection 1 Bourbon Whiskey.

From the Blue Run Distillery website: Blue Run “Reflection I” Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a small-batch whiskey and was contract distilled by Blue Run’s Liquid Advisor and Bourbon Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge. Jim distilled this batch of barrels at Castle & Key Distillery. The name “Reflection I” was chosen by two of Blue Run’s founders who faced personal challenges over the past two years, in the middle of the pandemic and while launching the company. Pulled from existing aging stocks, this approachable bourbon, at this particular proof, is what they both enjoyed during this period, allowing them to reflect on what truly matters, starting first and foremost with family.

Going into this purchase excited to finally be able to try a bottle from this distillery, I believe I might have over-hyped myself just a bit. Overall, and please remember this is my opinion, this was just an average bourbon whiskey in a beautiful, yet overpriced bottle. With the lack of a nose from the start and a lackluster finish, this bourbon only has an above-average palate going for it. However, when putting all these elements together, the sips became underwhelming and not worth the price.

But let me state that this is not a terrible bourbon, I just believe there are much better bottles in this price range. I would definitely recommend trying this bottle at a bar or a friend’s house before purchasing a bottle for your shelf. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Very Subtle Nose but Hints of Vanilla, Baking Spice, and Oak
• Palate: Sweet Butter Cream Icing, Vanilla, Leather, Undercooked Dough, Baking Spice, and Dry Oak
• Finish: Short to Medium, Not Warm but Rather Spicy, with Hints of Lasting Vanilla and Oak
• 2023 MSRP: $89
• 2023 National Average: $115
• Proof: 95 Proof
• My Rating: Mix It! (I was excited about this, but unfortunately, find this to be just average)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman