I’m not an everyday imbiber of 4 Roses Bourbon. So, I went into this tasting with a contemporary palate and an open thoughts. What I skilled was a taste profile and distilling course of that I maintain a lot respect for, even when it didn’t hit my private mark for what makes a tasty bourbon.
About 4 Roses Whiskey
Presently owned by Kirin Brewing, 4 Roses has gone by way of many possession adjustments and even a little bit of drama concerning the unique possession and institution in 1888. Present documentation lists the founder as Paul Jones Jr., leaving out the connection to Rufus Rose. Even with the Japanese homeowners behind the wheel, 4 Roses has at all times been an American spirits distiller and there aren’t any plans to shift that, particularly since bourbon can solely be produced within the USA.
4 Roses 2020 Restricted Version Small Batch
With 4 Roses 2020 Restricted Version Small Batch, I used to be handled to a recipe comprised of 4 well-aged spirits, crafted from over a century of custom in Kentucky bourbon. They take their time at each avenue of the distilling course of, procuring high-level corn and grains, enlisting a minimal ageing course of of 5 years for all their whiskeys, and adhering to the self-discipline and traditions that set bourbon aside in a crowd of whiskeys.
This appreciation for the self-discipline of crafting spirits could also be old school however I view it as a respect for the shopper to be keen to place this a lot effort and time into an expertise as an alternative of dashing the method for flash. This adherence to custom and self-discipline interprets to a daring whiskey that won’t appease each drinker however will be appreciated for its craft.
For those who actually know 4 Roses, what’s within the combine here’s a 12 12 months previous bourbon from the OBSV recipe, a 12 12 months previous OESV, a 16 12 months previous OESK, and a 19 12 months previous OBSK. As typical, it’s a restricted version (simply 14,040 bottles). On the unique time of writing (November 2020) the whiskey was priced round $150. As we speak, it’s accessible at retail for round $440 and up.
Tasting Notes: 4 Roses 2020 Restricted Version Small Batch Bourbon
Important Stats: This choice is distilled to barrel power. It’s crafted from 4 distillations ranging in age from 12 years to 19 (a 12 12 months previous bourbon from the OBSV recipe, a 12 12 months previous OESV, a 16 12 months previous OESK, and a 19 12 months previous OBSK). It’s bottled at 55.65% ABV. Costs round $150 per 750 ml.
Look: It’s mild amber with mild viscosity clinging to the partitions of the glass.
Nostril: I caught darkish brown sugar, caramel, and vanilla upfront. These had been accompanied by a touch of oak.
Palate: Neat, this whiskey has a clean, buttery mouth really feel with a pleasing heat that lingers however doesn’t overtake the brilliant flavors that comply with. It’s oaky and has a powerful cinnamon notice. With out water or ice, this bourbon is paying homage to rum-soaked raisins. Add a splash of water and the whiskey mellows out, stripped of its preliminary medicinal entrance. It transforms to a spice cake proper out of the oven.
This evaluation was initially revealed in November 2020, and up to date in December 2024.
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