Four Gate Batch 16 Rye DownUnder

Nose is toasted marshmallows, burnt brown sugars and some vanilla Palate: carmel, vanilla and dark fruits. Lovely palate. Finish: coats the tongue. Very vicious. Little to no kentucky hug which for me is disappointing. Overall: 4/5 stars. The real issue with 4 gate is its prices. No dram is worth a base price of 200 minimum. Thats my only real argument with their stuff. Like garrison brothers why such a high basline price. In addition if you like MWND this is a price equivalent comp that probably more available in some markets.

I've been given way too many of these bottles and samples and haven't gotten my notes down on nearly enough. Anyway. Nose - So unlike batch 24 which is a high rye, this is much more fruity and approachable. Just sweet barely rye notes, which a high rye bourbon would have. Taste - Mint, rye, brown sugar, strong lasting oak. Simple great and yet kinda what you'd expect. I'm a few pour deep and my notes aren't the best here. Overall however this is a really nicely done whiskey. Great finish. Great mouth feel. Great body. That said sharp alcohol. Acidic. Comes off younger than an expectational whisky. But really, it's just too hot and too alcohol forward. This is what happens when you take GREAT casks to finish something but use younger product. I know fourgate's guys will say this cost xyz and so the price is fine. They're trying to justify secondary barrel prices, which aren't justifiable. They ARE overpaying! And we the consumer shouldn't have to pay for their mistake...but at the same time, they are doing MAGIC with these finishing's. And this is one of their best. 3.25 - this is a great overall experience. It's youngish. It's not epic. But it's a master class of blending and quality parts. If I'd bought I bottle at 200 I'd not be upset but I'd not buy one either.