OVERALL RATING
, then give way to hints of sweet molasses, peppery spices and decadent crème brulée. The finish is long and gentle, with delicate honey and light mint.” Based on that, “E” made quite a stand on the palates of the distillery’s tasting panel. I and a friend, who happened by the day I got my sample, did not read that info before our sipping and nosing, yet we found many similarities, especially aromas of stone fruit, cherry, spearmint and toasted wood, and rich flavors of toffee, oak and custard. The texture was lush and creamy on the palate, which gave way to a slightly dry finish. As he finished his pour, my friend muttered, “Balanced, really balanced.” The Lawrenceburg, Ky., distillery said 9,258 hand-numbered bottles will be released in the U.S. only, and that fans could look forward to it on retailer’s shelves by mid-September. No price was mentioned in the news release, but given that last year’s Small Batch retailed for $129, it’s likely to cost similarly. Doubtless, serious “Fo-Ro” fans will line up for this release when it becomes available at its gift shops on Sept. 16. Fun note: Last year, a fan drove seven hours through the night from Michigan to be first in line for the release at 4:30 a.m. At 8 a.m. that day, Elliott, then the newly anointed master distiller, was serving hot coffee to him and the 40 others who’d queued behind him. Yes, Kentucky whiskey people are hospitable folk. Tasting Notes: 2016 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon Vital Stats: 111.2 proof. Blend of 12- and 16-year bourbons. 75% corn; 20% rye, 5% malted barley. No price set. Appearance: Golden, wide-spaced legs. Nose: Stone fruit, cherry and some apricot, spearmint and toasted wood. Palate: Rich flavors of toffee, oak and custard. Texture is lush and creamy on the palate. At this proof, it brings a little heat, but a rest in the glass cools that some while amplifying the dark fruit notes and caramel. Adding a few drops of water to a small taste makes the whiskey velvety at mid-palate. Finish: Slightly dry, yet easy all the way down, even at such as sturdy proof. Final Thoughts: I like this release far better than the 2015 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch, which was hot on my palate despite a lower 108 proof. My Whiskey Wash colleague , however, loved it, which is part of why whiskey sipping is so fun. There’s always something for everyone. Score: 90/100
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Steve Coomes is an award-winning journalist and author with a specialization in whiskey and food. Throughout his extensive 30-year career, he has contributed his expertise to various national trade and consumer publications, including notable names such as USA Today, Southern Living, Delta Sky Magazine, Nation's Restaurant News, Pizza Today, Restaurant Business, Bourbon +, and American Whiskey magazine. His literary accomplishments include the 2013 book "Country Ham: A Southern Tradition of Hogs, Salt & Smoke" and the 2020 publication "The Rebirth of Bourbon: Building a Tourism Economy in Small-Town USA." Beyond his writing pursuits, Steve also shares his passion by leading diverse food and spirits pairing experiences, ranging from large-scale events to intimate gatherings and virtual sessions.
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