Blue Run Spirits Launches Cocktail And Vinyl Tour

Blue Run Spirits has launched a multi-city cocktail and music experience, offering an immersive encounter that highlights its signature Kentucky straight High Rye bourbon and the classic Vieux Carré cocktail, with support from local DJs at each location. The Vieux Carré & Vinyl Tour kicked off on October 1^st in Nashville and has planned stops at cocktail bars in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami through early December. Admission is free for guests who rsvp online here.

The events include craft cocktails that feature Blue Run’s portfolio of whiskeys, with High Rye bourbon and the Vieux Carré taking center stage. A traditional Vieux Carré cocktail combines rye whiskey and cognac with sweet vermouth, herbal liqueur, and bitters. Blue Run notes that the spicy flavor of its High Rye bourbon complements the sweetness of the Vieux Carré’s other ingredients and amplifies the fruity and floral elements in the drink, offering a modern take on the classic cocktail. Dating back roughly 90 years to a hotel bar in New Orleans, the Vieux Carré is named for the French term for the city’s famed French Quarter; “Old Square” in English.

The Vieux Carré & Vinyl events will feature local DJs playing music at each stop, aiming to set an upbeat mood and unite whiskey lovers from all walks of life. The bars that host each event are adding themed whiskey and French cocktail décor to enhance the cultural vibe of each experience. According to Blue Run, the ultimate goal of the tour is to challenge expectations among whiskey drinkers and showcase both the classic and contemporary worlds of whiskey and cocktails.

Founded in 2020 with whiskey making initially led by Jim Rutledge of Four Roses fame, Blue Run is now owned by Molson Coors. The label sources its whiskey; in 2023 (prior to the Molson Coors deal) it announced plans for a major new Kentucky distillery, though the project has not moved forward. In addition to its straight High Rye bourbon, Blue Run’s core whiskey portfolio includes its Reflection series of bourbons and Emerald series ryes. In addition, the brand offers a handful of limited-release s, including Trifecta, a blend of three aged bourbons; Glimmer, a bourbon finished in gin barrels; and the Flight Series, which blends bourbon and rye. Some of these offerings will also be available at events on the Vieux Carré & Vinyl Tour.

The Vieux Carré & Vinyl Tour includes the following stops:

October 16th at Laberinto in Chicago
November 20th at LP Vinyl Bar in Los Angeles
December 4th at Miami Sound Bar in Miami

Registrants should specify their location of interest (despite it being noted on Blue Run’s website as an optional field at the time of reporting, it is necessary to complete). Thereafter, an email will be sent with details, including the time.

Unable to Attend?

You can make your own Vieux Carré at home with this recipe from Blue Run Spirits:

• 3/4 oz. Blue Run High Rye bourbon
• 3/4 oz. cognac
• 3/4 oz. sweet vermouth
• 1 Barspoon Bénédictine (or other herbal liqueur)
• 4 Dashes pimento bitters
• Lemon twist for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, and stir for about 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Express lemon peel over the cocktail then garnish with the twist. Optional: Serve over a large cube of ice in a rocks glass.