Blue Run 13-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon caught my eye with its elegant bottle design and stellar reputation. As a bourbon enthusiast, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore this finely crafted spirit and share my thoughts with fellow aficionados. Released in October 2020 by Blue Run Spirits, LLC, this 113-proof bourbon is sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky distillery and offers a blend of flavors that marries the best of tradition and innovation.

Upon my first sip, I was delighted by the smooth caramel sweetness that smoothly transitioned into a spicy, satisfying finish. The buttery, dense mouthfeel of this matured bourbon enhanced the experience, and I even noted hints of chopped dates on my second taste. This bourbon left a strong impression on me, and I couldn’t wait to dive deeper into its origins and unique qualities.

In the following sections, I will discuss my full review of Blue Run 13-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, offering insight into its flavor profile, characteristics, and overall enjoyment. As you join me on this journey, I hope to impart a sense of how special this bourbon truly is and why it might be worth adding to your collection.

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Blue Run 13-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Overview

Product History

Blue Run Spirits, a newcomer in the bourbon industry, made quite the entrance with their inaugural release of Blue Run 13-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This highly sought-after small-batch bourbon’s quality is no surprise considering it has the legendary Jim Rutledge, a much-respected master distiller, working behind the scenes. As an ex-Four Roses master distiller, Rutledge brings years of expertise to Blue Run, ensuring a top-notch product.

Price Range

Blue Run 13-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon is priced higher than most bourbons typically found on the market. With a limited release of only 2,600 bottles, its rarity and exceptional quality contribute to its higher price tag. A 750ml bottle of Blue Run 13-Year usually ranges around $199-$794. The bourbon’s impressive characteristics make it well worth the investment for true enthusiasts.

This Kentucky bourbon has a few standout features, thanks to its meticulous aging process. The 13 years of maturation in new charred oak casks result in a rich, dark amber color reminiscent of perfectly simmered caramel. The nose is delightfully sweet, with a prominent vanilla spice aroma and a hint of buttery scent that’s hard to resist.

The palate of Blue Run 13 is exceptional, featuring a mash bill consisting of at least 51% corn, rye, and malted barley. This combination yields a deliciously smooth yet complex flavor profile. On top of that, the finish is long, lingering, and leaves you craving another sip.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Upon nosing the Blue Run 13-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, I was immediately greeted by pleasant notes of vanilla and a comforting sweetness. A hint of spice, citrus and nuts accompanied the aroma, indicating the complexity of this aged whiskey. The rich scent of oak also made its presence known, adding to the experience.

Flavor

As I first tasted the bourbon, its flavor profile truly came alive on my palate. I found an incredible balance of sweetness and spice, making it a delightful whiskey to savor. The primary flavors include a delightful mix of caramel, cinnamon, and a touch of fruit and nuts. The 113 proof bourbon packs a punch, but its smoothness takes center stage in this harmonious blend.

Finish

The finish of the Blue Run 13-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon was impressive and long. A delicious medley of spices and rye left a warm and satisfying taste in my mouth. A subtle flavor of dark cherry sweetness develops alongside the tapering spice. Its mouthfeel was pleasantly smooth, while the flavor profile reminded me of the essence of aged oak, mint, and even a hint of cocoa.

Rating

After experiencing the aroma, flavor, and finish of this bourbon, I’d give the Blue Run 13-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon a solid rating. Based on the tasting notes and whiskey characteristics, I’d confidently rate this bourbon a 9 out of 10. It’s a fantastic representation of a well-balanced, high rye bourbon that showcases the complexity and depth a 13-year-aged product should possess.

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Mixing and Pairing

Best Mixers

When it comes to mixing Blue Run 13-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, I prefer to use mixers that complement its unique tasting notes. Since this whiskey has a rich vanilla sweetness and various spices, I usually go for mixers that can enhance those flavors or provide a pleasant contrast. Some of my favorite mixers to use with this bourbon:

• Ginger ale: Its slight spiciness complements the bourbon’s spice, while the sweetness brings out the vanilla notes.
• Club soda: This cuts through the sweetness, creating a refreshing balance to the overall drink.
• Lemon: Adding a twist of lemon helps accentuate the bourbon’s spices, offering a citrusy twist.

Cocktail Suggestions

With its vanilla, sweet, and spice notes, Blue Run 13-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon makes a lovely base for a variety of cocktails. Here are a few suggestions that showcase its flavors:

• Old Fashioned: The classic Old Fashioned highlights the bourbon’s sweet and spicy notes. Muddle a sugar cube, a splash of water, and Angostura bitters, then stir in the bourbon and garnish with an orange peel.
• Whiskey Sour: This cocktail adds a tangy, citrus twist to the bourbon. Shake together the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with a cherry and an orange slice for garnish.

Food Pairings

When it comes to pairing Blue Run 13-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon with food, I enjoy selecting dishes that complement or contrast the whiskey’s flavors:

• Dark chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate provides a lovely contrast to the bourbon’s sweetness, while the cocoa notes complement its vanilla and spice.
• Charcuterie board: A well-curated charcuterie board with a variety of meats, cheeses, and fruits can bring out the different tasting notes of the bourbon. Try pairing it with smoked meats, bold cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar, and dried fruits like cherries or apricots.
• Grilled steak: A juicy, grilled steak seasoned simply with salt and pepper allows the natural flavor of the meat to complement the bourbon’s spice and smokiness.

Conclusion

As I delved into the world of Blue Run 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it was immediately apparent that this unique and limited release was something special. I appreciated its soft oak and nutty flavors, which made it a complex and balanced whiskey. Its savory, nuanced flavors — including hints of brown butter, golden raisins, and rye spice — created a delightful experience.

When comparing it to other similar choices, like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, I found that Blue Run 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon stood out in its own way. I couldn’t help but appreciate the dedication and effort put into crafting this exclusive bourbon. From the age statement to the complexities it offers, it’s evident why this bourbon is sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

When sharing my thoughts about Blue Run 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon with friends and fellow whiskey lovers, I found myself always speaking in a friendly and approachable tone — a reflection of the whiskey itself, I believe. So, if you ask me, this bourbon is definitely a worthy addition to your collection or an excellent choice for your next get-together.

In the end, Blue Run 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon revealed itself to be a fine example of what a truly well-crafted whiskey should be. From its engaging flavors and complexities to the friendly spirit it seems to embody, this bourbon truly captures the essence of Kentucky in a glass. Cheers!