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Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
March 21, 2020 (edited January 24, 2023)
NOSE: Skinny Slow Moving Legs. Seems Thick and Clingy. Rye Spice leads off. No Floral like I get from SiB. There is an odd Savory/Vinegary note. Creamed Corn. Cinnamon Discs. Old Leather and a Hint of Old Oak. There is a good hit of Alcohol. I wasn't enjoying it until I let it breathe. That allowed Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate Powder and Burnt Sugar to emerge and start to dominate. It also tamed the alcohol sting quite a bit. With time, it became quite enjoyable.
NEAT: Great Thick/Clingy mouthfeel. The first sip is all Oak, Sweet on the front and Astringent on the back. The mid-palate is Cocoa Powder and Black Strap Molasses. After a sip or two the Astringency is replaced with Vanilla, Maple, and Cinnamon. A nice Peppery Tingle coats the tongue after a Medium Length, slightly Warming Finish. Oak and Brown Sugar aftertaste that accumulates/builds with each sip.
SPLASH: Palate becomes Pink Bubblegum sweet with a hefty dose of Oak. Any Astringency that remained disappears.
VERDICT: I was not sure about putting out the $60 for this one. I like the Single Barrel and Yellow Label version of 4 Roses, but I have always found the Small Batch lacking and a little overpriced. In fact I passed on it Wednesday, but pulled the trigger when they still had some on the shelf Friday. I don't regret the purchase because I don't know of another Bourbon with this profile. Very unique and worth a flier if you see it at retail. I wouldn't pay any crazy secondary for it, but definitely worth $60 for an occasional pour.
60.0
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Bottle
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this isn’t the small batch... this a blend of 6 of their bourbon recipes....
@BrentBourbon that is what I do with most of my nicer bottles. Open and have a pour or two and then revisit a couple months later and note any changes. I'll look forward to getting back to this one!
Small batch FR benefits like no other whiskey if you open it then let it air-rate for a month or two. Initial opening it’s not impressing but if you don’t touch for a month it is delicious, at least for my pallet. Haven’t tried the select yet but I intend to.
@BillyT Definitely unique. I'm really enjoying it.
Nice in-depth review. I too passed on it when it first became available in SW Michigan, but picked up a bottle today after some positive comments from some Bourbon friends. I dig the viscosity, layers of flavors, and the unique profile it offers without being overly sweet. Not to mention the beautiful bottle that enhances its appeal. Looking forward to see how it evolves.