Four Roses 2017 Limited Edition Small Batch

BourbonReviewsAmerican WhiskeyFour Roses

Nov 8

Written By David Levine

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Four Roses 2017 Limited Edition Small Batch

Four Roses, Blend of 15Y OESK, 13Y OESK, and 12Y OESV

53.95% ABV/107.3 Proof

Tried Blind

Eye: Amber maple syrup, very thin rims and droplet legs.

Nose: Cinnamon-forward, like those cinnamon-scented fall pinecones after being out for a few months. A toasted nut note rolls in (toasted, not roasted). Some dark red fruit, oak wood. Graham cracker pie crust and blackberry jam open up after air.

Palate: Intense fruit and cinnamon right away. Heat explodes suddenly after a few seconds with an oak dryness. There’s definitely good age on this. Chocolatey note that feels like it’s related to the toasted note - it just connects like that. The nuttiness builds to a solid flavor profile but is never the star player. Jammy fruits accompany the nuts. Mouthfeel is viscous, creamy, not too hot - in fact, the fruity figs and dates take over. The light nuttiness is way in the back, but it’s there.

Finish: Mildly oaky, creamy, lingers quite awhile with baking chocolate building.

Overall: This is a good, solid pour. Not outstanding, but solid. Air adds a little spice and roasted nuts, but doesn’t dramatically change the profile.

Rating: 6.8

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)

7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)

3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)

1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)