Blue Run 'Reflection I' Bourbon Whiskey
47.5% ABV (95 proof) | 750mL | Kentucky straight bourbon | Contract distilled by Jim Rutledge — Blue Run 'Reflection I' is where the Blue Run story begins: the brand's first release, a small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon contract distilled by Bourbon Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge at Castle & Key Distillery, pulled from existing aging stocks and hand-bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky. Just 200 barrels were handpicked for this release. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
This is the bourbon Jim Rutledge himself wanted to drink: meticulously balanced, sweet and spicy, with toasted-barrel depth woven through it. Bright Rainier cherries and creamy butterscotch on the nose; fluffy pancakes and maple syrup on the front end, rosemary on the mid-palate, and an invigorating nutmeg finish. Among small-batch bourbons, Reflection I is the debut that put Blue Run on the map — approachable enough for newcomers, layered enough for the shelf of a collector.
Tasting notes
Nose: Rainier cherries, butterscotch. Palate: pancakes, maple syrup, vanilla butter, rosemary. Finish: nutmeg, woody maple, echo of tart cherry. (Per producer/retailer notes.)
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 47.5% ABV (95 proof) — 750mL, Kentucky straight bourbon
- Blue Run's first release — 200 handpicked barrels
- Contract distilled by Jim Rutledge (Bourbon Hall of Fame) at Castle & Key
- Hand-bottled in Bardstown, KY; toasted-barrel influence
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat or with a single cube — the 95 proof drinks beautifully either way.
Frequently asked questions
What proof is Blue Run Reflection I?
95 proof (47.5% ABV), 750mL.
Is there an age statement?
No — it's non-age-stated, pulled from existing aging stocks.
Who distilled it?
Bourbon Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge, Blue Run's Liquid Advisor, at Castle & Key Distillery.
Was Blue Run acquired?
Yes — Molson Coors acquired Blue Run Spirits in August 2023.