I have always wanted to start on a formal upright juniper. Has anyone seen success with any particular varieties or subspecies, particularly ones that are found among common nursery-stock? I have been eyeing some Blue Point junipers, mostly owing to their generally vertical growing habit, but these are usually mutated into some goofy topiary by the time they are for sale. Any thoughts or recommendations are welcome. Thanks

A formal upright has a trunk that grows upright. You do not want a juniper that has the habit of growing branches upright.

Better species are junipers like:
Juniperus Chinensis
Juniperus Procumbens Nana
Juniperus Communis
Juniperus Sabina
Juniperus Rigida
Junierpus Squamata
(to name a few, there are more)