Four Gate’s Latest Bourbon Finished In Cognac/Rum Cask Combination

The Four Gate Whiskey Company out of Kentucky likes to specialize in American whiskeys, particularly bourbon, and the effects barrels can have on the final product. This includes working with the folks at Kelvin Cooperage on this barrel exploration, and for their latest batch they are taking an older bourbon and finishing it in a combination of cognac and rum casks.

The new Four Gate Whiskey Company Batch 6 “The Kelvin Collaboration II,” according to those behind it, follows up on the self-described success of the first release that was dubbed “The Kelvin Collaboration.” This latest offering uses the same mash bill as batch 1, comprised of 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley, but instead of being finished in sherry/rum casks, the 12 year old Kentucky bourbon is a blend from finished whiskey in cognac and rum casks.

“Fans of batch 1 will really like this,” said Four Gate Chief Blending Officer, Bill Straub, in a prepared statement. “It’s definitely a return to the combination of fortified wine fruitiness blended with that decadent dark rum cask sweetness.”

“The Rum barrels from this batch were from the same rum producer as Batch 1, so you should really taste the connection,” added Four Gate Chief Barrel Officer Bob D’Antoni.

Plans call for Four Gate Whiskey Company’s sixth release to be primarily distributed in Kentucky and Tennessee for around $200 per 750 ml bottle, with 2,474 total bottles available at retail. You’ll find some official tasting notes below from the brand.

• Appearance: Deep brown
• Nose: Layered molasses and maple syrup with hints of dark, sweet fruit.
• Taste: Sweet and spicy, the outer palate is coated with sugary molasses and dark rum notes with the rear palate in inundated with mature oak and booze-soaked red grapes.
• Finish: Medium-long in length, the rum and barrel tannins linger in a sweet yet oak-filled experience.