A little background
Blue Run Spirits was founded in 2019 and released their first expression Winter of 2020. Blue Run Spirits’ Liquid Advisor is legend Jim Rutledge, who is responsible for approving the sourced distillates as well as distilling new make Bourbon for Blue Run. A total of 2600 bottles were released throughout Kentucky and Georgia during their first batch release of Blue Run Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The Winter 2020 batch comes in with an age statement of 13 years and has a proof of 113. The MSRP for this release is $169. The mash bill is not publicly disclosed but it is sourced distillate.
(Tasted neat from a Norlan Glass)
Color
Dark Amber
Nose
The initial pour hits the nose with a sugary combination of brown sugar and roasted nuts. As the bourbon opens up in the glass there are stronger notes of dried fruits, vanilla, and vivid baking spices.
Palate
The palate is complex and balanced. The first sip is on the sweet side. Brown sugar and butterscotch are the first notes that pop followed by a light vanilla note. After letting the bourbon sit in the glass for a few minutes the flavor profile shifted to a toasted nut, brown butter, dark cocoa, and dried fruit.
Finish
The finish is on the long side. The flavors really develop on the palate as they sit on the back of the tongue. The strong oaky notes come through on the palate the longer you let it sit on the tongue.
In closing
I tried Blue Run Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with little to no expectations, as I’m always a tad wary about sourced bourbon and whether or not the blend will work. This bottle may have changed my mind. Blue Run Spirits doesn’t release where the 13-year sourced distillate comes from. However, it reminds me of a more developed Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. It isn’t as harsh as the ECBP comes off but has the iconic mellowness that Jim Rutledge historically releases. This particular bourbon is on the higher end of the price spectrum for the average whiskey drinker. In the end, do I think Blue Run Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is worth the $170 price tag? I certainly do! 13-year bourbon isn’t something you come by every day, nor are the complexities shown with this release.
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Blue Run Spirits. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
Blue Run Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
113 Proof
The Good
- Age
- Complexity
- Balance of Bourbon
The Bad
- Cost
Ok, I’m a dummy who paid $170 for a bottle of this stuff, but at least it wasn’t $250 like some places are asking. Not great, not really good. Skip this skipped sourced mash, the rating of 9.1 is way way to high, mid 7’s at best.
Absolutely agreed. A lot of words and hype behind this company but it’s still not better than any ECBP or Stagg Jr. release I’ve ever had. But hey, more for us and people can buy this!