Molson Coors Acquires High-End Whiskey Blue Run, Forms Coors Spirits Co.

Molson Coors has acquired Kentucky-based whiskey player Blue Run, bringing the high-end brand into the fold as part of its new Coors Spirits Co. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Blue Run’s founders—Mike Montgomery, Tim Sparapani, Jesse McKnight, and Andy Brown—are remaining with the brand. In addition, Montgomery has been appointed as vice president of Coors Spirits Co.

Montgomery told SND he expects the expanded resources offered by Coors to substantially grow Blue Run’s reach and popularity among consumers. “Our main focus is to continue the innovation that Blue Run is known for as well as broaden the consumer base for whiskey in general,” he said. Last year, the brand sold 21,000 9-liter cases, with its offerings aimed squarely at the high end. Releases have included Blue Run “Reflection I” Kentucky Straight Bourbon, contract distilled by Rutledge at Castle & Key, and Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon, both retailing at around $100, out of a total of 15 launches, with three more on the way this year.

David Coors, executive chair of Coors Spirits Co., told SND that Blue Run will form the anchor of the business, joining Five Trail Blended American Whiskey (launched in 2021), and the recently launched Barmen 1873 Bourbon. “Blue Run is going to be the beacon for our portfolio,” said Coors. “It’s really about creating a sustainable business that can be an enviable portfolio of brands that new and existing consumers gravitate towards.” Blue Run’s next move is to build its own distillery, slated to be a 35,000-square-foot facility with a 20,000-square-foot rickhouse. The project is scheduled to break ground this year and to be completed by 2025.

Tagged : Blue Run, Coors, Coors Spirits Co.

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