SHORT REVIEW: Four Roses Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Four Roses Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a blend of 4 of the distillery’s mash bills: 2 – OBSK (rye & baking spices); 3 – OBSO (rich fruit); 7 – OESK (baking spice); & 8 – OESO (rich fruit & vanilla). The overall mash bill blend is 75% corn, 20% rye, & 5% malted barley + 60% corn, 35% rye, & 5% malted barley. Four Roses uses single story rickhouses & barrels that have been treated with a 45-second burn resulting in a barrel char level between #3 & #4. The Small Batch is aged for 6-7 years & is bottled at 90 Proof (45% ABV).

This tasting note review is based on over 5 separate tasting notes-taking sessions over several months.

*8.5/10

COLOR: Light yellow (like apple juice)

NOSE: The aroma profile is light & defined by: Red fruits (a mix of berries & dark stone fruits with some citrus notes), baking spices (cinnamon & light cloves), oak/barrel notes, & a hint of light caramel with some light ethanol.

PALATE: Initial flavor is red berries & red & apple-y orchard fruits with some citrus followed by oak/barrel notes, baking spices, & light caramel with vanilla. The finish is dominated by rye spice, which is introduced by a fleeting oak tannin bitterness. It is noticeably spicier than the baseline Four Roses Bourbon. The oak/barrel notes remain prominent even after the bottle has had time to aerate after being cracked open. The rye spice on the finish mixes well with the fruity, caramel/brown sugar, & vanilla flavor notes.

FINISH: Medium (7 or so seconds)

MOUTHFEEL: Fairly creamy/oily/buttery, especially for 90 Proof

PRICE POINT (VA): $37.99

VALUE: Solid value for an “everyday” sipping bourbon & as a great mixing bourbon for cocktails.

ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN? Yes.