Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon

This is a nice, pretty whiskey. I want to like it more but I'm hung up on the price and general scarcity in NC. I split a bottle with my brother since we're both staying with our parents for a bit. I've been sipping on this 375 mL portion for two weeks and it's almost finished. I get cinnamon and oak on the nose. Not much sugar or caramel sweetness, more tannic flavors from the oak and high rye mashbill. There's a light vanilla corn mustiness on the edges. If there are dark fruits and chocolate they are disguised. The oak and rye spice dominate the palate with a strong hint of pepper. Cinnamon is less pronounced. It has a really clean flavor and finishes nice, although shorter than expected based on reviews. You can tell this is a well-made whiskey when it hits the tongue. So why am I disappointed? I don't understand the 4th core release of Four Roses being set at $60, which $15 more than the single barrel and only 2% higher abv. For that difference I think a higher proof is more appropriate, or maybe a different line of single barrels using a different mash bill. For a premium small batch product like this I think MSRP $50 is a fairer price point. My other issue is I have something open that tastes a lot like this for half the price. Old Grand-Dad 114. Similar high rye mashbill and 5% more abv. There are definitely more tea notes in OGD 114 but the other flavors are very similar between the two. Because of these two issues I'm probably not a repeat customer unless they change something, I'd rather try different single barrels at $45. I love Four Roses SB and SiB so this was an underwhelming purchase.

Nice mix of rich and sweetness in the flavor

Hot on the finish which is expected.

On the nose I get sweet mint, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, oak and a hint of cocoa. Mouthfeel is light and pleasant. Taste I get cinnamon, vanilla and caramel with a mild oak finish. It’s an extremely pleasant pour.