Molson Coors Beverage Company Purchases Blue Run Spirits
Molson Coors Beverage Company is acquiring Blue Run Spirits, known for its crafted rye whiskies and bourbon.
Launched in October 2020, Blue Run has won numerous awards, including Best Small Batch Bourbon – 11 Years Old & Older and Best Single Barrel Bourbon – 11 Years Old & Older at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. They were also awarded Best High Rye Bourbon at the 2023 New Orleans Spirits Competition.
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Based in Georgetown, Kentucky, Blue Run is known for deviating from traditional industry norms, creating premium whiskies that create a buzz with each release.
Blue Run will be Molson Coors’ first spirits acquisition, helping them evolve from its storied history as a beer company and expand into the premium liquor market. Along with the purchase, Molson Coors has established Coors Spirits Co., allowing them to expand upon their existing spirits business, which will house Blue Run, Five Trail Blended American Whiskey, Barmen 1873 Bourbon, and any future innovations.
The acquisition of Blue Run will more than double their current spirits team, the company says. Molson Coors got involved in the whiskey space with the 2021 launch of Five Trail Blended American Whiskey and the 2022 introduction of Barmen 1873 Bourbon.
“Blue Run has accomplished in three years what many brands hope to do in a generation and has done it at the luxury end of the whiskey category,” said Michelle St. Jacques, chief commercial officer of Molson Coors. “Importantly, we are committed to maintaining Blue Run’s well-known quality, design, and innovation as we continue to grow our spirits portfolio.”
Currently available in 31 states, Blue Run had previously announced plans in March to build a new distillery in Kentucky, and those plans will continue with the Molson Coors acquisition. The company also has plans to release three new whiskies for a late summer/fall release.
Blue Run’s founders Mike Montgomery, Jesse McKnight, Andy Brown, and Tim Sparapani will all remain, with Montgomery taking on an expanded role as vice president of Coors Spirits Co.
Jim Rutledge will continue to serve as Blue Run’s distillery consultant and liquor advisor, while Shaylyn Gammon will serve as whiskey curator for Coors Spirts Co. David Coors will serve as executive chair of Coors Spirits Co, continuing to lead Molson Coors spirits strategy and business development.
