Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon

Excellent on the rocks. Strong neat.

Drinks lower than 104 proof. Smooth. Enjoyable.

I find it very interesting that this bourbon has a worse reception on this app than the standard small batch. I made the mistake of trying to compare this one-on-one with small batch, and if others out there are doing that, I guess I get it. This is such a different animal, that it probably should be tasted outside of the shadow of its older brother. Nose is astringent and bitter. I get sugar, leather, straw. Body is a heavy hit of caramel and honey. Bit of sweet tea. That part reminds me very much of single barrel. Finish is alternating sweet caramel and cinnamon. There’s an awesome tongue buzz on that cinnamon flavor. Since I goofed and drank this in tandem with standard small batch, here’s the comparison that I wouldn’t recommend making: Standard small batch has a flavor profile that I find much more pleasant. It’s body’s is far more interesting, where this guy kinda tastes like a lot of unremarkable bourbons in the 100-110 proof range. The body feels much more run-of-the-mill to me, which is ironic if you think about it. But the finished on this select is the best part. That buzz combined with an alternating sweet/cinnamon flavor is amazing. The standard small batch just kind of fizzles out in this category, especially when drank in tandem. If I had to choose, I’d prefer this to standard. I’m glad it’s part of the family on their website now, and I hope it sticks around and becomes as readily available as small batch and single barrel.

Very subtle spice with brown sugar

Good but not worth almost twice as much as original small batch