This is the problem with single barrels or maybe it’s just that my palate is not suited for the roses (see what i did there). I’ve been wanting to try this for quite some time after reading somewhat positive reviews. So hear goes..... Upon opening this one I was expecting something sweet or a bourbonesque scent but I didn’t get that at all instead I found it to be a very astringent ethanol smell with a little oak thrown in. Almost a new young bourbon scent. Strange. I let it rest for about 15 minutes giving it a dance in my glencairn occasionally until I decided to jump in. First sip was sweet but changed quickly to oak, then transformed into an evil peppery heat; not at all in a good way. This liquid in my glass looks like bourbon but it must be the four roses SIB doppelgänger because I’m not impressed at all and it burns. Once I get passed the blast of alcohol and pepper, the finish the best way I can describe, is a poorly brewed beer. You know, the one that ferments at too high of a temp and gives off that horrible ethanol taste. (I used to homebrew before the beer craze blew up in 2008/09. After giving it a couple drops of H2O I get all of the same but a smidge less burn. Sorry four roses fans but I was really looking forward to this one and I’m going to chalk this up to a poor single barrel experience. I’ve bought Evan Williams SIB’s that have been amazing and I’ve picked poor ones too but with 4R at $43 I’m not sure I want to roll the dice again. I know to some that may be a drop in the bucket but for most budget bourbon drinkers and the newbs out there, that’s a good investment. Warehouse JW Barrel No. 33-1B 9/14/19 Finally made it through this entire bottle. Still feel the same way actually dislike it even more now lowering my score to a solid 2. I’m convince I got a bad batch as the reviews just don’t align with mine. I’d hate to spend another $40 and get burned again though.