Review: Blue Run Blueprint Series (2026)

Next up from Blue Run is the first release in a new series of bourbons called the Blue Run Blueprint Series, which the distillery describes as “a series that celebrates the nuance found by pushing boundaries into uncharted territories – this inaugural release serves as the blueprint for what is to come.”

Blueprint Series #1 is a blend of two unique mashbills: one wheated, the other “an experimental mash that pays homage to Blue Run’s boundary-pushing nature.” That experimental mash is — wait for it — an 80% corn, 15% rye, 5% malted barley mash that was aged on a lower floor of Blue Run’s rickhouse — a contrast to the wheated mashbill stock that was aged on a top floor. And yes, I’ll agree that a 15% rye bourbon does not exactly sound “experimental,” but let’s give Blue Run the benefit of the doubt for the moment.

“When crafting Blue Run releases, I think about the qualities bourbon enthusiasts expect, while also considering how we invite new consumers into the category,” said Shaylyn Gammon, Blue Run Spirits’ Head of Whiskey and Innovation. “With the Blueprint Series, the goal was to create a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that can serve as a blueprint for discovery—something approachable and soft, yet layered enough to inspire continued exploration.”

Got it? Let’s give it a spin.

Blue Run Blueprint Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

If Blue Run’s goal was to create a base whiskey — a blueprint, sure — upon which to innovate, then they’ve done an admirable job. This is an approachable but reasonably complex whiskey that gives enthusiasts plenty to think about while offering a little something for everybody.

Things kick off on a nose that evokes banana cream, vanilla custard, and a surprising complement of potpourri, taking the focus off of fruit and sugar and onto the garden. The aromatics move back and forth between these two realms, punctuated by a boozy sharpness that’s driven by a 52.5% abv. The whiskey can handle plenty of water (and it mixes well), so don’t be shy.

The palate is more straightforward, though its caramel-banana core is naturally interrupted by the florals on the nose — particularly if you leave your (actual) nose stuck in the glass. Things take a turn toward chocolate as the whiskey sits on the palate for a bit, with touches of mint and an apple butter character coming into view as the finish builds. The finish is surprisingly juicy and bursting with berry notes — the latter most evident with a touch of water added.

At $70, this feels like a solid price for a solid whiskey, one which has a bigger story to tell than you might expect at first blush.

105 proof.

A- / $70

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