Blue Run 14 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Consumed neat from a sample. Initially, the aroma reminded me of toasted marshmallow fluff, with chocolate and graham cracker notes creating a pleasant s’more impression. However, it offers much more. A variety of fruits are present, including raspberries, blueberries, and cherries, with a brighter note like mango in the background. The longer it sits, the brighter the aroma becomes, which is unusual for something aged. The oak is rich and smooth, consistently present but not dominant. Spices like cinnamon, clove, and leather are also noticeable now. This aroma is vibrant! The texture is syrupy and very dense on the palate. The flavor is immense right away: cinnamon, brown sugar, oak, and tobacco. The mid-palate is rich with dessert notes – caramel, chocolate, butterscotch. Fruits appear on the finish: a hint of banana, cherry, cream, and chocolate. The finish is long, dominated by vanilla and that banana note. This is an outstanding pour. It is well-balanced, vibrant, and delicious. It lacks a truly exceptional quality that would elevate it further. I would purchase it at retail if I could find it, but it’s challenging to obtain in my region. Without that luck, this sample might be my only chance to try it.

If you appreciate cherry notes in your bourbon, this one is for you. It's well-aged, exhibiting the expected oak tannins of a 14-year bourbon. While the oak presence is noticeable, it doesn't overpower; you can sense its maturity. It leans towards brown sugar sweetness with those deep cherry flavors and a pleasant finish that eventually reaches vanilla notes. The high price point and significant marketing efforts are justified by the quality of the bourbon itself.

The palate is floral, spicy, and sweet, with a pleasantly strong spicy finish. Adding a little water enhances it. It bears a resemblance to Basil Hayden, but is superior.

Bourbon that is very good.