We turn our attention to Bourbon Reviews: Blue Run Reflection 1, High Rye Batch 2 Kentucky Bourbons bottled at 47.5% ABV, mash bill undisclosed, SRP $99. At $99.99/ 750ml bottle, it enters a competitive field.
Nose
This is moderate golden amber in color. This is moderate golden amber in color and very similar in appearance to the whiskey reviewed above. The first sense on the nose is rather muted. Further sniffing reveals notes of green pineapple, wheat toast, cracked grains, and French vanilla. Theres a spicy note of cinnamon. With time, the vanilla note expands into white pound cake. The nose pops with a decedent sweetness showing a faint note of acetone (nail polish remover), with a touch of cherry cola and cream. The palate is viscous and offers up notes of roast corn, dried dill, and green banana. The flavor is a bit like simple syrup in that theres a bland sweetness to the whiskey. Air does wonders for the aromatics and the note on the finish is like a perfectly toasted homemade marshmallow. Theres prickly texture on finish. A splash of water brings out the fruit notes, showing ripe watermelon and fresh red berries. This is a subtle beauty. Score: 4.5/5 Blue Run Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon (image via Blue Run Spirits) Tasting Notes: Blue Run High Rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon Batch 2 Vital Stats: Aged at least four years in new American oak, 55.5% ABV, mash bill undisclosed, SRP $99.99/ 750ml bottle. Appearance: This is moderate golden amber in color and very similar in appearance to the whiskey reviewed above. Nose: The nose pops with a decedent sweetness showing a faint note of acetone (nail polish remover), with a touch of cherry cola and cream. Palate: On the palate, it is fairly neutral and reads as sweet and astringent. This is far fruitier than its brother, with notes of ripe cherries, rose hips, and old chewing gum. I get the impression of charcoal or burnt toast. The high alcohol content imparts a touch of astringency to the palate. The finish is lingering, but not my favorite as it is rather aggressive. Theres warmth from the alcohol and a spicy bitterness to the finish. Water brings out the aromatics, showing notes of caramel, red apples, cedar, and mild cigars. Score: 4/5 Final Thoughts I was initially skeptical since the sample-sized bottles came with a butterfly trinket wired to the neck like 90s-era jewelry. Upon tasting them blind in a line up of other whiskies in the same style, both stuck out as something quite exceptional. Sometimes its great fun to be wrong.
Palate
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Verdict
Bourbon Reviews: Blue Run Reflection 1, High Rye Batch 2 Kentucky Bourbons is a modest offering that, at $99.99/ 750ml bottle, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
