2017 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon Has New Twist

Kentucky’s famous Four Roses distillery has unveiled information regarding this year’s edition of the always popular Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon. Chief among the details is word of a spin on the traditional mash bill for this bottling that’s tied to the rye aspect of it.

The 2017 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon, according to the distillery, features three of the ten unique Four Roses bourbon recipes. For this release, this includes a 15-year-old bourbon from the OESK recipe, a 13-year-old OESK and a 12-year-old OESV. Also, it is the first Limited Edition Small Batch to feature only its low rye mash bill.

“The magic happened early on with this Small Batch Bourbon—after only my third test blend, I knew we had hit the target and then some,” said Four Roses master distiller Brent Elliott in a prepared statement. “In subsequent blind samplings this one always stood out. There is a remarkable synergy among the three batches. Once we combined them, it resulted in more depth, richness and warmth than any one of the individual recipes.”

Plans call for the 13,800 hand numbered bottles of this Four Roses bourbon, bottled at 107.3 proof, to go on sale starting in mid-September. It should price for around $130, and you’ll find limited official tasting notes below from the distillery. This whiskey, by the way, is not to be confused with the 2017 Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Small Batch Bourbon, which was released earlier this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Four Roses brand ambassador and historian Al Young.

The 2017 Limited Edition Small Batch introduces warm aromas of allspice and vanilla bean, mingled with rich apricot and stewed fruits. Bright raspberry flavors greet the palate, then give way to hints of decadent, sweet maraschino cherry and light oak. The finish is long, with notes of rich brown sugar and hints of cinnamon.