ContemplativeFox
Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
April 1, 2022 (edited April 3, 2022)
Rating: 15/23
N: Lots of musty, dust wood. There's a great sense of maturity coming out of this. There's a sour mash tartness that's yeasty with a hint of orange and definitely some lemon. It makes me think a little bit of a palo cortado sherry. Perhaps a very faint nuttiness. Hints of barrel spice coming out of the wood. There's a lot of depth to the wood, but that's pretty much it.
P: This is light with lots of gentle barrel spices and mild, floral fruit, starring cherries, but including some orange and a zest of lemon. It's super mellow and balanced, with solid enough complexity and a good amount of maturity, though it leans heavily toward the wood and spice. It makes me think of a version of Russell's Reserve 10 that doesn't push the envelope with that bit of smoke. There's definitely wood, but it's pretty mellow. I get a little vanilla coming out of the wood, but it's rare. And then, of course, there's a constant layer of minerality, which adds some depth, but also makes this taste a bit lighter.
It's hard to believe that this is bottled at 50% ABV considering how light and easy to sip it is. I don't even get alcohol flavor out of this one.
F: That minerality certainly lingers. And of course the barrel with spice.
- Conclusion -
I like all of the flavors here; it's a very easy sipper. There really isn't anything wowing me though. Sure, it has some maturity and complexity, with a terrific balance, but none of the flavors are especially great and the overall profile is pretty ho-hum. It's very solid competition for Russell's Reserve 10 (15-16/23), albeit priced a bit higher.
I'm struggling to find this better than Elijah Craig Small Batch (15/23) and Old Forester 100 (15/23), but it could be a little better. This focuses on elegance to the point of being a little unfun.
On a total tangent, I recognize the prominent Four Roses flavor in Swift Single Malt now that I've tasted this again. It's nice to be able to identify the distillery's character coming through, even in the barrels.
42.0
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@angstrom that's very interesting. Moldy glue...It's a little grosser now, but still very interesting.
@ContemplativeFox That makes sense. I think Amazon did a study on how to make Kindles smell like old books. Turns out the old book smell is mold and glue.
@ContemplativeFox I can’t imagine the number of options available out there from a cooperage with hundreds of years of experience. Furthermore, I can’t get away from the idea of “honey barrels” being just truly exquisite, select wood barrels. I know elevation, moisture, airflow, temp, etc create variation (and are somewhat controllable variables) but the thought of magically delicious oak trees out there - well, it’s a thought.
@Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington @angstrom possibly how the wood is matured before being coopered? could be some effect of bacteria and fungus growing on the wood for a while.
@Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington Good question, I would like to know what drives that dusty library book note. Seems like Willet and Bookers can also get those, too. I had assumed the type of wood and where is aged, but that is just guessing.
The other thing that WT and 4R sometimes showcase are those especially dusty, funky (old library book) notes - I assume this is more to do with the yeast than the wood, or at least an interaction of the two
@angstrom I really like that yeastiness too. 4R brings the yeast out like pretty much no other.
@ContemplativeFox I I’ll need to try RR10 again, it had a nice orange note and less of the WT cinnamon. I tend towards the yeast driven fruit aromas and high rye recipes. 4R scratches that itch.
Thanks @angstrom :) Definitely a great daily - if I didn't have RR10 for ~30% cheaper, I'd be keeping this on my shelf for sure. EC is for sure another great one to have to get more of that sweet vanilla and caramel without so much fruit.
One of the best daily drinkers. Highlights the spirit, the wood, and the yeast in harmony. Is it one of the best ever? No. But it is available, affordable, consistent and easy to enjoy in a variety of circumstances and moods. One of my repeat purchases along with Elijah Craig. Awesome review. Spot on.