Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon

Stronger than standard four roses, full body, rich and subtle fruit

so smooth, notes of fruit and vanilla

Having been a fan of Four Roses for sometime now, I was really interested when I heard they were releasing a new small batch "Select" that blends together a combination of 6 of their 10 different mashbills all aged between 6 and 7 years of age.  For those of you familiar with Four Roses mashbill coding they selected OBSV, OBSK, OBSF, OESV, OESK, and OESF for this batch.  Those of you who are unfamiliar with Four Roses process I would encourage you to look it up.  Its very interesting info and if you are new to bourbon it is a great way to learn how the different recipes influence the taste.  As you learn about what you like and don't like in a mashbill you will get better at picking bourbons you will enjoy versus the frustrating drain pour!   Now, on to the tasting.  For this Four Roses Small Batch Select you get a very pleasant mixture of spice and fruit upon entry.  As the taste builds you get more black pepper and vanilla which really form the backbone of the taste.  The finish is mild and doesn't linger but it is still warm enough to enhance the more earthy tones and leather flavors that start to come on toward the end.  The spice and vanilla continue throughout and really help balance out the taste. Four Roses does so many things right with this batch that I can't find any fault with it.  I wanted to not like it as much because of the price, but honestly it is worth every penny!  If you are new to bourbon or you want to introduce someone to bourbon this would be an outstanding choice. Cheers!

Tasting alone on the rocks. Alcoholic bite upfront, doesnt linger but does leave corn/minty aftertaste that I find bland. Not my favorite. Average.