Blue Run Spirits, the award-winning producer of bourbon and rye whiskies, tells BourbonBlog.com that it has been acquired by Molson Coors Beverage Company (“MCBC” or “Molson Coors”). They say this strategic move marks Molson Coors’ deeper foray into the spirits market, broadening its product range beyond its longstanding beer legacy.
Blue Run, with its noteworthy reputation since its inception in October 2020, is set to enrich Molson Coors’ premium portfolio, while also amplifying its brand presence in the spirits sector.
The Start of Coors Spirits Co.
Established in 2023, Coors Spirits Co. represents Molson Coors’ transition from primary beer to a comprehensive beverage company. Their journey into spirits started with the acclaimed Five Trail Blended American Whiskey in 2021, followed by Barmen 1873 Bourbon in 2023, and the acquisition of luxury bourbon and rye producer, Blue Run Spirits (Porfolio pictured below)
Blue Run’s founders – Mike Montgomery, Tim Sparapani, Jesse McKnight, and Andy Brown – will all remain with the brand. Montgomery will take on an expanded role with Molson Coors as its vice president of Coors Spirits Co.
“Since launching Blue Run, we have always strived to do things a little differently to truly embrace today’s younger, more diverse generation of whiskey drinkers,” Montgomery tells Bourbonblog.com. “We are humbled by how the whiskey community has embraced our vision and that Molson Coors wants to join and support us in this journey.”
Bourbon expert Tom Fischer has interviewed and done number live tastings with the brand team including Whiskey Director Shaylyn Gammon and co-founder Mike Montgomery. The whiskey itself is carefully crafted by Blue Run Distillery Consultant and Liquid Advisor, Bourbon Hall of Famer Jim Rutledge. One of those interviews is here is included below.
The Acquisition at a Glance:
Expansion Beyond Beer: Molson Coors makes its first significant spirits acquisition, marking its evolution from primarily a beer company to a more comprehensive beverage entity.
Molson Coors Boosting Whiskey LIneup: Molson Coors inaugurates Coors Spirits Co., which will incorporate Blue Run, Five Trail Blended American Whiskey, Barmen 1873 Bourbon, and future innovations, boosting its spirits lineup.
Strengthened Team: The acquisition more than doubles the size of Molson Coors’ spirits team, endorsing the company’s upscale strategy.
Continued Growth: Blue Run will proceed with its previously announced distillery construction in Kentucky and is set to launch three new whiskies by the end of the year.
Their innovative distillery is set to be opened in 2025 in Georgetown, Kentucky. The unique design will echo their signature metallic butterfly on bourbon bottles. The 50+ million dollar project is highly anticipated which includes a 35,000-square-foot distillery accompanied by a 20,000-square-foot rick house.
It will mark the first distillery in Scott County in 50 years and will employ 45 full-time employees.
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Blue Run Spirits Archived Interview from BourbonBlog.com
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