Blue Run 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Oh dear, what is my problem? I purchase whisky with no expectation of success? Oh well. The bottle's appearance is ridiculous, thanks to the designer. The butterfly motif is somewhat interesting, perhaps? Or is it gaudy? Regardless, the presentation offers no real value, but credit is due for the synthetic cork. Nose - The aroma has good depth and body. Vanilla sweetness, clean oak, but the alcohol is still very noticeable. I'll see how adding water affects it. Water enhances the oak clarity, and it's a pleasant oak. Taste - Barton is recognized for its smoothness, but this isn't solely a Barton product. This remains an exceptionally clean whisky, yet it possesses depth and structure. It's rich and flavorful, but lacks complexity. This is standard bourbon, but with a discernible depth and a mineral note on the finish. The focus is on creaminess and richness, without being overly spicy or having that intense dark sugar sweetness. Water brings out more sweetness. This is good, but I struggle to describe it precisely as it's characteristic of Barton – it's straightforward, yet enjoyable. Balance and consistency are hallmarks of Barton's style. So, the score? Well, the bottle gets a zero, haha. Okay, the bourbon itself? 2.5. It's above average but missing something.

Good whiskey, terrible marketing. NOSE: Oaky, deep dark fruit, roasted nuts, musty spice, vanilla cupcakes, toffee, and a hint of char and citrus spice. The oaky and potent aroma is enhanced by spice and dark sweetness. This bourbon has a wonderful aroma… it genuinely smells like bourbon. PALATE: Caramel, oak, dark fruit, leather, hazelnut, spice, vanilla cupcakes, toffee, spice, char, citrus, earthy, and herbal notes with a touch of menthol at the end. This expression has a remarkable complexity of earthy notes; its palate is simply excellent. It's warm and inviting, featuring more dark sweetness than the aroma suggests. FINISH: Long -> Oak, herbal, citrus, fruit, char, and spice in a lingering, warm fade that transitions into cocoa and mint.

A respectable expression. You can certainly detect the 13 years in the barrel, but not overwhelmingly or negatively. However, it lacks the typical sweeter bourbon notes to counterbalance the oak. Nothing truly original or captivating as the marketing suggests. Considering the price and limited release status, it's an easy pass at $170.

The aroma is the typical wonderful bourbon scent of vanilla, with some floral fruit notes present. It has an incredibly velvety texture. A bartender described it as 'dusty' and musty, reminiscent of 80s bourbon. The finish is spicy, though it doesn't smell spicy and avoids the unpleasant burn some spicy spirits have for me. There must be some rye in this.

The nose is sweet and fruity, with vanilla undertones. The flavors are deep and complex, revealing notes of cherry, vanilla, light oak, and cinnamon. Fans of Old Forrester 1920 will likely enjoy this.

At 113 proof, I anticipated it being hot. Without question, one of the smoothest pours ever. Three fingers with two small ice cubes opened it up. If you have an opportunity, you should purchase it.