Summer time often finds me dabbling with bourbons. I have read much about this Small Batch and have been eager to try this. The Single Barrel won me over as a Four Roses fan, but would the Small Batch dampen that enthusiasm? A roll in the glass and some time to open and the aromas of autumn baking spices of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves dominate. Along with those spices, the sweet notes of toffee, milk chocolate and cherries with a touch of oak round out the nose. The interplay is nice; a Thanksgiving potpourri. This whiskey arrives soft and velvety. The texture gives way to the flavors which start slightly sweet of light-brown sugar and then reveals cinnamon spice. Faint notes of cherries and hints of honey add to the sweetness. In between the sweet and spice, the oaky dryness keeps the two opposing sensations forward, almost like the canvas for a painting balancing all the flavors. This sets up to a long and drying finish with orange bitters and ground cinnamon spice remain. This is a slightly complex with a wonderful opening with a cinnamon foundation from nose to finish. A sweetness makes this a well balanced. A nice sipper that is a perfect for summer or fall. Four Roses just does things well from distilling, blending and pricing. A top notch bourbon. [89/100][$35][Tasted: 6/8/17]