Blue Run 13 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Overview & Background

Blue Run Spirits launched its first bourbon release in October 2020, collaborating with legendary bourbon veteran Jim Rutledge (former Four Roses master distiller) as liquid director. (breakingbourbon.com) Their inaugural bourbon was Blue Run 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a limited batch of 2,600 bottles. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Aged 13 years and bottled at 113 proof (56.5 % ABV), this bourbon is sourced (i.e. it was matured by another distiller) though Blue Run does not publicly disclose the distillery. (BOURBON & BANTER) The founders aimed to combine strong liquid quality with a modern, design‑forward packaging (featuring a weighty numbered bottle with a butterfly medallion). (breakingbourbon.com)

Blue Run markets this expression as “directly aged to its sweet spot,” meaning it was not diluted down as much as many older bourbons. (BOURBON & BANTER)

Tasting Notes & Impressions

Below is a synthesis of tasting notes from the brand, reviewers, and users:

Aroma / Nose

• From Blue Run: “Vanilla on a sultry summer evening, with the mildest hint of tarragon.” (bluerunspirits.com)
• Bourbon Banter notes: brown sugar, honey, faint walnut. (BOURBON & BANTER)
• Some Whiskybase reviews add dark fruit, roasted nuts, spice, toffee, vanilla cupcakes, citrus and herbal/earthy accents. (whiskybase.com)

Palate / Flavor

• The distillery describes the taste as “a velvety romance between brown sugar and brown butter.” (bluerunspirits.com)
• Bourbon Banter: caramel, clove, sage. (BOURBON & BANTER)
• Whiskybase reviewers mention caramel, oak, dark fruit, leather, hazelnut, spice, earthy and herbal notes, and menthol on the tail. (whiskybase.com)
• Some drinkers note that adding water opens the profile, bringing out butterscotch, cherry, vanilla, and herbal layers more strongly. (randlliquors.com)

Finish

• Blue Run’s description: long and smooth, with apricot and golden raisins. (bluerunspirits.com)
• Reviewers report a finish of oak, herbal notes, citrus, char, spice, cocoa, and mint in various combinations. (whiskybase.com)
• Bourbon Banter: the finish warms and lingers rather than burns. (BOURBON & BANTER)

Overall, the profile is of a mature, fairly complex bourbon with a balance of sweetness, oak, fruit, and spice. Some reviewers, however, question whether it justifies its premium price. (BOURBON & BANTER)

“People Also Ask” — Questions & Answers

Below are some likely questions people ask about Blue Run 13 Year, with known answers.

1. What proof is Blue Run 13 Year Bourbon?

It is bottled at 113 proof (56.5 % ABV). (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

2. How old is Blue Run 13 Year Bourbon?

The bourbon is aged 13 years, per the label and all official sources. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

3. Is Blue Run 13 Year a single barrel / who distilled it?

• It is not advertised as a single barrel; it is a sourced small-batch bourbon. (BOURBON & BANTER)
• The distillery where it was made is not publicly disclosed by Blue Run. (BOURBON & BANTER)

4. How many bottles were released / how rare is it?

Only 2,600 bottles were released in the original run. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

5. How does Blue Run 13 Year Bourbon taste?

Expect notes of vanilla, brown sugar, honey, caramel, baking spices, oak, dark fruits (apricot, raisins), nutty or walnut hints, and herbal or citrus or char undertones. Water tends to open up additional layers (e.g. cherry, herbal). (randlliquors.com)

6. Is Blue Run 13 Year Bourbon worth it / good value?

Opinions are mixed:

• Proponents: Many praise the depth, complexity, and maturity of the liquid, calling it a high-end bourbon worthy of its stature. (breakingbourbon.com)
• Critics: Some question whether the price is justified, citing a portion of the cost going into branding, packaging, and hype rather than pure liquid value. (BOURBON & BANTER)
• Among whiskey fans online, several feel it is “overpriced marketing,” or that it doesn’t always outperform alternatives at similar price points. (Reddit)

Thus, whether it’s “worth it” depends heavily on your priorities (liquid quality, collectibility, brand story) and the price you actually pay.

Strengths & Caveats

Strengths:

• A long‑aged bourbon (13 years) with significant maturity
• High proof retention (113) gives more concentration and expression
• Well-balanced profile that fuses sweetness, oak, fruit, spice, and herbal elements
• Strong backstory and branding (Jim Rutledge’s involvement, modern design)
• Very limited release adds collectible appeal

Caveats / Risks:

• Because it is sourced and not fully transparent, some purists may view it with skepticism
• The high price tag contributes expectations that may not always be met by every bottle
• Variation is possible (as with all aged bourbon) and some bottles may skew more oak or astringent
• The packaging and design premium may inflate the perceived cost beyond what the liquid alone merits

Conclusion

Blue Run 13 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey is an ambitious and standout entry in the luxury bourbon space. It balances maturity, proof, and complexity, delivering layered flavors of vanilla, brown sugar, fruit, oak, and spice. With the backing of Jim Rutledge, limited production, and a distinct design aesthetic, it positions itself as a premium collectible pour.

That said, it is not without debate. Some bourbon fans and reviewers question whether its high price is fully justified by the liquid — viewing part of its cost as being in the bottle design and marketing. For enthusiasts who value rarity, brand story, and strong flavor expression, it can be a rewarding bottle. But buyers should temper expectations, especially given variation and the possibility of overpaying.

If you like, I can check recent selling / auction prices of Blue Run 13 Year in your region (Africa / Cameroon) and compare whether offers are fair. Do you want me to do that?