Bourbon

Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon

$438

OVERALL
RATING

7

Bourbon Review: Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon

We review Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon, with this year's blend in the bottle consisting of a 12 year old bourbon from the OBSV recipe, a 12 year old OESV, a 16 year old OESK, and a 19 year old OBSK.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
This selection is distilled to barrel strength. It is crafted from four distillations ranging in age from 12 years to 19 (a 12 year-old bourbon from the OBSV recipe, a 12 year old OESV, a 16 year old OESK, and a 19 year old OBSK). It is bottled at 55.65% ABV.
Appearance:
It is light amber with light viscosity clinging to the walls of the glass.
Nose:
I caught dark brown sugar, caramel, vanilla up front. These were accompanied by a hint of oak.
Palate:
Neat, this whiskey has a smooth, buttery mouth feel with a pleasant warmth that lingers but does not overtake the bright flavors that follow. It is oaky and has a strong cinnamon note. Without water or ice, this bourbon is reminiscent of rum-soaked raisins. Add a splash of water and the whiskey mellows out, stripped of its initial medicinal front. It transforms to a spice cake right out of the oven.
Finish:
Add a splash of water and the whiskey mellows out, stripped of its initial medicinal front. It transforms to a spice cake right out of the oven.
Comments:
I have said it before, tradition trumps inexperience and the folks at Four Roses have released a solid entry into the Kentucky bourbon market with their special edition. Unmolested with water or ice, you will get a bold, spicy, slow sipper. Bring in the accoutrement and this becomes a completely customizable drinking experience with broad possibilities to be augmented in cocktails or enjoyed with a bit of ice.

I am not a regular imbiber of Four Roses Bourbon. So, I went into this tasting with a fresh palate and an open mind. What I experienced was a flavor profile and distilling process that I hold much respect for, even if it did not hit my personal mark for what makes a tasty bourbon.

About Four Roses Whiskey

Currently owned by Kirin Brewing, Four Roses has gone through many ownership changes and even a bit of drama about the original ownership and establishment in 1888. Current documentation lists the founder as Paul Jones Jr., leaving out the connection to Rufus Rose. Even with the Japanese owners behind the wheel, Four Roses has always been an American spirits distiller and there are no plans to shift that, especially since bourbon can only be produced in the USA.

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Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch

With Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch, I was treated to a recipe comprised of four well-aged spirits, crafted from over a century of tradition in Kentucky bourbon. They take their time at every avenue of the distilling process, procuring high-level corn and grains, enlisting a minimum aging process of five years for all their whiskeys, and adhering to the discipline and traditions that set bourbon apart in a crowd of whiskeys.

This appreciation for the discipline of crafting spirits may be old-fashioned but I view it as a respect for the customer to be willing to put this much time and effort into an experience instead of rushing the process for flash. This adherence to tradition and discipline translates to a bold whiskey that will not appease every drinker but can be appreciated for its craft.

For those that really know Four Roses, what’s in the mix here is a 12 year old bourbon from the OBSV recipe, a 12 year old OESV, a 16 year old OESK, and a 19 year old OBSK. As usual, it is a limited edition (just 14,040 bottles). At the original time of writing (November 2020) the whiskey was priced around $150. Today, it is available at retail for around $440 and up.

Tasting Notes: Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon

Vital Stats: This selection is distilled to barrel strength. It is crafted from four distillations ranging in age from 12 years to 19 (a 12 year old bourbon from the OBSV recipe, a 12 year old OESV, a 16 year old OESK, and a 19 year old OBSK). It is bottled at 55.65% ABV. Prices around $150 per 750 ml.

Appearance: It is light amber with light viscosity clinging to the walls of the glass.

Nose: I caught dark brown sugar, caramel, and vanilla upfront. These were accompanied by a hint of oak.

Palate: Neat, this whiskey has a smooth, buttery mouth feel with a pleasant warmth that lingers but does not overtake the bright flavors that follow. It is oaky and has a strong cinnamon note. Without water or ice, this bourbon is reminiscent of rum-soaked raisins. Add a splash of water and the whiskey mellows out, stripped of its initial medicinal front. It transforms to a spice cake right out of the oven.

This review was originally published in November 2020, and updated in December 2024.

John Dover

John Dover, creator and writer of the acclaimed "Johnny Scotch" series, draws inspiration from his immersive experiences as a professional musician and his extensive travels across the US. His Jazz Noir world intertwines with his music, culminating in collaborations such as the "Johnny Scotch Vignettes" with Thomas Barber, blending high-energy fusion with spoken word.

John's latest ventures include "Johnny Scotch #4" illustrated by Dan Schaefer, and the novella "A Song for Charlie." Alongside his music career, he continues to expand the "Johnny Scotch" universe through short stories and comic books.

Beyond "Johnny Scotch," John is a recognized horror writer, contributing to anthologies such as "Tales from the Braided Pony," "Monsters 'N' Things," "100 Word Horrors," and the forthcoming "Tenebrous Tales." He's also a regular entertainment writer for Mythmachine.com.

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