Tastes
-
Four Roses Private Selection (Norfolk Whisky Group OESV 10 yr 8 m)
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed January 30, 2024The nose is gentle but gives way to pepper, floral rise spice, dried flowers and charred oak. There is a subtle amount of vanilla and brown sugar in the background, but the floral notes really dominate the nose of this whiskey. While it is quick to say that this is very floral on the nose, there is plenty amounts of very soft ripe stone fruit. Between the floral and fruity elements this whiskey is almost tropical, but it is nicely bounced out by the right amount of oak and the most subtle amounts of vanilla and brown sugar. The palate is rich get gentle, that fills the mouth with a pepperiness that goes to the corners of the mouth while oak and vanilla cascade over the tongue. The oak knolls with the notes of dried flowers and ripe fruit, to provide for a very full and chewy taste. A lot of this is quintessential for roses and very enticing to keep coming back for another sip. This is barrel number 37-1f and while it is not the most bold four roses Private selection I have had, it is a great example of how truly good they're whiskey is. I would prefer it to be a little more intense, little more in your face for being a single barrel and cast strength but it is still undeniably delicious. The finish is long and chewy, with every chew able to coax out more pepperiness and more richness. There is a lingering spice that keeps the mouth tingling while the rest of the palate melts together invades perfectly until you take the next sip. One thing about four roses private selections, is that the experience seems to be endless. You take a while to savor the nose, you take a while to savor the palate, the finish lasts and lasts, and before you know it an eternity has passed and it's time for the next sip. -
Weller Single Barrel Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed January 19, 2024 (edited January 23, 2024)The nose is very typical of Weller - oak, ripe fruit, vanilla, a touch of leather, all coming across as being very rich. The palate is light and fills the mouth with creamy oak, ripe fruit and a slight black pepper. It is slightly chewy, staying mostly to the back of the mouth. Its not overly deep or complicated, but how full it is is where it shines. The finish is long with a lingering pepper and creamy oak that can be coaxed out with a chew. -
The nose is gentle and fruity with notes of creamy vanilla, hints of brine and smoke, and ripe stone fruit. It is very full and rich, and while almost simplistic, everything is distinct and inviting. The palate is also gentle with vanilla, oak and stone fruit all in wonderful balance. Not as intense as you might expect for its age, but part of what makes this so good is how it doesn't overwhelm. It is a great example of Irish whiskey, perfectly smooth and drinkable, with distinct flavor without being too much. The wine finish adds distinct sweetness, but in a complimentary way. A little stronger might add, but as is, without breaking the bank this is a great whiskey with some age to it. The finish is medium long with the slightest bit of lingering black pepper while fruit, vanilla and oak slowly fade.
-
Four Roses Private Selection (New York OEBQ 11 yr 8 month)
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed January 16, 2024 (edited March 16, 2024)The nose is full of charred oak mixed with vibrant floral rye spice, there is a slight hint of spearmint alongside vanilla and molasses. As it breathes, it all comes together giving you the unmistakable nose of Four Roses. The palate starts off gently, but quickly turns dry yet rich, and unleashes a wave of strong rye spice all throughout the mouth. Charred oak and vanilla take a back seat to the strong floral notes, yet keep the rye by balanced. The OBSQ mahbill is known for being high rye and for being strong on floral essence, and this is a perfect example of that without being overpowering. Despite being nearly 12 years old, the amount of oak is perfect to complement the rye without being too dominant. This is from warehouse number RS, barrel number 23-1E, and being only tier 1 probably contributes to how easily you can sit on this. It's gentle yet bold and at the same, time the next sip is irresistible. The finish is medium long and leaves the mouth tingling with rice spice, while the floral notes stay lingering for quite some time. In the background, oak and vanilla are present and as you chew, the slightest bit of molasses can be coaxed out. This is a fairly simple bourbon, but it is done exceptionally well and that is part of the allure of these private selections. This is exactly what you would hope all bourbon would be, simple and uncomplicated, yet rich in its flavors and intensity. A little while after your sip, you do get very pleasant notes of oak still remaining in your mouth. This is an absolutely delightful finish that rounds out the experience of drinking this whiskey in the most perfect way. -
Four Roses 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon (2023)
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed November 28, 2023The nose is stunningly smooth and full of vanilla and charred oak with a perfect balance of spearmint and earthy rye. Creme brulee and baking spices live in the background making it very inviting. The palate is smooth and gently spicy with a wave of baking spices and earthy rye splashing all over the mouth. Its got an intense oakiness that is almost savory. Its rich and chewy with vanilla notes in the background adding an incredible smoothness. The age really shines here in just how intense and rich the flavors are. The finish is long and spicy with endless flavor to be found with each chew. This is nothing short of amazing and really shows off the best of Four Roses. All the flavors just linger and linger, seemingly never fading away. -
The nose is a burst of floral rye spice and prominent charred oak. Spearmint mixes with white pepper and faint hints of vanilla and butterscotch. The palate is hot and peppery, and full lf charred oak. It is quite sharp of rye, leaving everything else in the background. Its very bold, but enjoyable in its simplicity. The finish is long and spicy with a tingling heat lingering. A slight oaky astringency fades and while its a bit intense, you're immediately ready for the next sip.
-
Maker's Mark Cellar Aged (2023 Release)
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed November 13, 2023 (edited November 23, 2023)The nose is full of creamy oak, not over powering but just enough to be intoxicating. It is mixed with notes of ripe fruit, buttery vanilla and hints of leather and dried flowers. It does have the distinctive fruity notes of a wheated bourbon, but in a higher amount than you usually see. Everything is perfectly balanced and easy to get lost in. The palate is rich and smooth, with peppery spice hitting the corners of the mouth while vanilla and oak swirl all around the mouth. Chewing on it has you enjoying the fruity side to it while notes of mild baking spice keeps the mouth warm. Everything you picked up on the nose translates perfectly to the mouth. Some chocolate notes can be coaxed out of it as a welcome addition and overall, this delivers in every way you could imagine. The finish is medium long and very full, with vanilla and oak keeping you chewing, and just the right amount of spice to keep the mouth tingling just a bit. Everything else fades beautifully, this is a whiskey you really can't find anything wrong with. This is Maker's turned up to 11 and one of the absolute best wheated bourbons you can find. -
Starlight Double Oaked Bourbon - Second Oak Barrel (Prav Saraff)
Bourbon — Kentucky , USA
Reviewed October 22, 2023The nose starts off sharply of oak, cinnamon, earthy rye spice and vanilla. It is incredibly inviting and melds together very nicely as it breathes. The palate is dry yet chewy and quickly coats the mouth in a strong wave of cinnamon and oak. Rye comes in very smoothly with hints of vanilla with a very slight astringency in the background. The second oak barrel really shines in the way that while the palate is relatively simple, the flavors are intensified to a perfect amount. The finish is medium long with a lingering oak and tingling spiciness full of cinnamon. The mouth stays dry but full a flavor. Simply incredible. -
The nose is immediately hot and very spicy, full of baking spices, charred oak, with touches of floral rye, buttery vanilla, smoke and leather subtly in the background. It definitely takes a minute for the whiskey to calm down and open up, but the wait is worth it. The palate is somewhat dry and light up the mouth with intense spice that is almost astringent. Is there is charred oak wrapped in cinnamon, while everything else from the nose is more or less drowned out. The finish is long and spicy, and while pretty one dimensional for how intense it is, there is a certain charm to it. Its a spice bomb that pushes your limits where drinking it is almost an accomplishment. Very uniquely enjoyable.
-
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (NHLO)
Bourbon — Kentucky , USA
Reviewed September 20, 2023 (edited September 21, 2023)The nose is very spicy right up front, full of ethanol. Eventually, creamier notes of vanilla, charred oak, buttered popcorn and hints of floral rye and molasses. The palate lights up the mouth with a burst of ethanol and sharp baking spices, staying mostly to the front of the mouth. It dries the mouth as you chew on it while vanilla and charred oak swirl in the background of the unrelenting spice. The finish is long, but mostly because the burn doesn't ease up. This is fairly unbalanced and needs to be tamed to be truly enjoyed.
Results 11-20 of 345 Reviews