Blue Run Spirits Releases Reflection II Bourbon

Georgetown, Kentucky-based Blue Run Spirits recently unveiled Reflection II Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the follow up to its Reflection I. It is now available at retailers nationwide and at http://www.bluerunspirits.com/shop.

When launched in May 2022, Reflection I Bourbon is said to have become one of Blue Run Spirits’ most approachable products. With Reflection II, Whiskey Director Shaylyn Gammon is looking to continue that tradition while emphasizing a different layer of flavor notes than its predecessor. While Reflection I focused what’s described as on the darker base notes like oak and caramel, Reflection II zeroes in on the brighter middle notes, including florals and sweetness.

“The Reflection Bourbon series is an intriguing blending project because we have an established baseline of approachability that will carry through to every release, but we will explore the different layers that make whiskey such an interesting spirit,” said Gammon in a prepared statement. “For continuity, we included some Reflection I as the base, and then started painting with an entirely different brush. Reflection II will be as familiar as it is new to anyone who enjoyed the first product.”

For Reflection II, the dominate mash bill features less rye than the original, but the proof is increased from 95 to 100. Reflection II also features older whiskey stocks than its predecessor, with Gammon seeking out barrels that “clearly exhibited elevated mid-note flavors” from Blue Run’s more than 5,000-barrel inventory.

Official tasting notes for this bourbon indicate “a bright bouquet of warm spices and rich cocoa immediately dominates the olfactory senses and serves as a precursor to this engaging experience. The first sip reveals bountiful orange peel that harmonizes with farm fresh honey followed by fresh toasted oak and tantalizing salted caramel blondies.

“As the palate remains preoccupied with the mid-note flavor sensations, a complex finish is revealed led by spicy citrus oils that evolve into barrel spice and churros sprinkled with powdered sugar and a dash of cayenne.”

Blue Run Reflection II Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available at $99.99 for a 750ml. For this release, Blue Run’s signature butterfly medallion on the bottle has the same highly reflective sterling silver coating as on Reflection I.