Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon

Velvety milk chocolate on the front. Dark chocolate throughout with a mint chocolate finish. Slight warmth with notes of oak & pepper

Fruity and floral on the nose. Palette matches the nose, with additional oily notes. Finish is subtle with light caramel notes. Very smooth with little fire in the throat or the belly.

Slightly floral scent. Thick mouthfeel, smooth, and mellow. Tasting notes are vanilla and oak

Good flavor. A little light for my liking.

Wasn’t sure what to expect, but this was a pretty nice surprise. The backbone of the palate is a dark honey, which is made more intense with the higher proof. There’s no real caramel to speak of, but you don’t miss it. There’s some significant spiciness from the yeast and the wood, and also some bright fruits bouncing around with the spices. This bottle also has a bit of an “antique” vibe, with faint corn dust, vanilla, and pecan nuttiness hanging in the background. Tastes quite similar to (and possibly better than) Old Forester Birthday, but it isn’t stupidly rare, so that’s a plus. The only real flaw of this bourbon: it makes a really disappointing Old Fashioned. Highly recommended if you want something off the beaten path.

Strong bourbon flavor, oak, vanilla, and spice. Still easy drinker for the proof.

Nose after a 10 min rest: Black pepper, toasted almonds, baking spices, brown sugar, anise, wintergreen, vanilla, orange zest, apple, butterscotch, tobacco Taste: Begins with salted butterscotch and caramel, pepper, chocolate, then baking spices, brown sugar, tobacco, medium caramel, vanilla. Moderate finish