Bourbon

Whiskey Review: Four Roses Small Batch Select

We review Four Roses Small Batch Select, the newest permanent line extension this popular Kentucky distillery has offered in many years.

OVERALL RATING

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Four Roses Small Batch Select

Tasting Notes

About:

This whiskey is 104 proof. The mash bill varies, including both 75% corn/20% rye/5% malted barley and 60% corn/35% rye/5% malted barley. It is a blend of six- and seven-year-old liquid. Bottles are 750 mL, ranging in price between $55 and $70. Currently this bottling is available in Kentucky, New York, California, Texas and Georgiaand will roll out to the rest of US from there.
Appearance:
Four Roses Small Batch Select is clear, pale butterscotch, the spirit coats the glass and forms quick, fat tears. This sample was presented in a fancy round box surrounded by preserved roses.
Nose:
The nose presents aromas of apricot, white flowers and lemon zest, with an undercurrent of clove. Despite the high proof, there’s no aggressive volatility.
Palate:
This is subtle and lean. The clove of the nose blooms into nutmeg and develops on the back-palate to black pepper. Surrounding the spice is a round, plummy fruitiness and oregano on the mid-palate. Leather hits on the back-palate. The finish is short and clean.
Finish:
Comments:
This is an interesting whiskey. I applaud Four Roses for their experimentation – they succeeded in breaking from course – however the whole experience was a bit underwhelming. I look forward to seeing how this extension evolves and tasting next year’s batch.

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.

Cindy Capparelli

Cindy Capperelli is the visionary founder of Portland Bitters Project, established in 2014 with the ambition to craft the finest bitters available. Today, her bitters are savored across the United States and internationally, enhancing cocktails with expressive flavors. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Cindy shares her expertise as an instructor at two Portland colleges. She also engages with private groups, distilleries, and maker's spaces, advocating for the use of high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Cindy empowers her students with the confidence and knowledge to create exceptional drinks at home, experiment with tinctures, and enrich their overall food and beverage experiences.

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