Blue Run Emerald Rye Whiskey

Blue Run Emerald Rye Whiskey is a barrel-proof 116.7-proof (58.35% ABV), 750mL Kentucky straight rye — the second rye in Blue Run's acclaimed series and the first bottled at barrel proof. Contract distilled by Bourbon Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, then blended by whiskey director Shaylyn Gammon from 189 barrels across three distinct high-rye mash bills, aged in both Bardstown and Frankfort. It's a limited release that drinks like rye with a bourbon's soul. Order online at Del Mesa Liquor for San Diego pickup or delivery.

• Proof / ABV: 116.7 proof / 58.35% ABV (barrel proof)
• Size: 750mL
• Age: no age statement; Kentucky straight rye whiskey; limited release
• Origin: distilled at Castle & Key Distillery, Frankfort, KY; aged in Bardstown and Frankfort, KY
• Production: 189 barrels; blend of three high-rye mash bills (80%, 77%, 81% rye); bottled at barrel proof

Barrel Proof, Blended by a Master

Emerald was the project Shaylyn Gammon — a Wild Turkey alum — called "incredibly fun": asked what the Blue Run team loved most about rye, she built the blend around fragrant herbs, fresh peppers, and robust spice. The twist is the sourcing: contract-distilled by Jim Rutledge, the living legend behind some of bourbon's greatest eras, at Castle & Key, then aged in two locations fifty miles apart so the different environments round the edges of all that proof. The result embraces rye's spicy character with a fine bourbon's approachability. Browse all Blue Run releases and our rye whiskey collection.

Tasting Notes

Dreamy butterscotch and creamy caramel lead the nose into toasted oak and spicy peppers. The palate hits with buttercream and shishito peppers, then a blast of apples and pears evolving into cloves and rye spice. The finish is long and memorable — leather, oak, and brown butter.

How to Enjoy

Neat first to meet the full 116.7-proof frame, then a splash of water to open the orchard fruit. It makes a phenomenal Old Fashioned or Manhattan — the proof and spice stand up to anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "barrel proof" mean?
The whiskey was bottled at the proof it came out of the barrel — 116.7 here — with no water added, the fullest expression of the blend.

Who makes Blue Run Emerald Rye?
Contract distilled by Jim Rutledge at Castle & Key Distillery and blended by Blue Run whiskey director Shaylyn Gammon.

How is it different from Blue Run Golden Rye?
Emerald is the second Blue Run rye and the first bottled at barrel proof — bolder, spicier, and built from three mash bills instead of one profile.

Barrel-proof rye from a Bourbon Hall of Famer's still — buy Blue Run Emerald Rye online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.