Black Button Four Grain Bourbon

If the team at Black Button aimed for originality, their Four Grain Bourbon succeeds for those seeking something unconventional. Honestly, I appreciate distilleries that deviate from the norm. When distilleries take chances, their pursuit of creativity often transcends the final product, even if the result isn't particularly enjoyable. A dram can be an artistic statement, and the creative process can be more compelling than the finished piece. FIRST IMPRESSIONS - My initial perception is that Black Button Four Grain Bourbon is exceptionally light and ephemeral, similar to a diluted Irish Whiskey. I didn't care for it at first, but after three sips, it's growing on me. This one requires a few attempts to fully appreciate, but if you're open to understanding its unique qualities, you might change your mind. NOSE - I detect subtle hints of sweet spices and caramel. There's a definite rich corn sweetness accompanied by very light molasses. The aroma carries a whisper of rye with a faint touch of lavender. Imagine a blend of Dad's Hat Pennsylvanian Rye and Brenne French Single Malt. It's certainly intriguing. PALATE - The palate is dry, displaying walnuts and salty almonds. The sweetness noted on the nose also appears here, along with some toasted caramel, butter, and savory oatmeal characteristics. The texture is medium-light and not particularly complex. WASH - There's some lingering warmth here, but it dissipates quickly, so don't get too accustomed to it. The finish leaves behind pleasant sweet undertones, which then transition to nuttier and savory notes. This is quite fleeting. WHAT I APPRECIATED - This bourbon serves as a pleasant companion, easing you into summer. If I were offered a measure of this upon arriving at a barbecue, it would be gladly received and delightful. It's playful and refreshing enough to meet certain expectations and prepares the palate for more. However, if this were served as a final drink at the end of an evening, I would feel somewhat let down. CONCLUSION - This bourbon is young, engaging, and light, fitting well in the collection of a curator or a more adventurous enthusiast. However, it lacks the depth found in more aged bourbons. If you desire something with more intensity or a more traditional bourbon profile, look elsewhere. Opened: 05/13/20 Finished:

I was surprised to find this product from Rochester, NY, in Maryland. I happened upon it at Pine Orchard in Ellicott City, purchasing a bottle from Batch #5 for around $45. The mash bill intrigued me, suggesting I might get bourbon, rye, and scotch all in one. The bottle itself is heavy and thick, prompting a desire to yank the cork with my teeth and pour it into an unwashed glass ("Barkeep! I'll take the whole bottle. And you better have another one ready"). With my nose in the glass, I detected the same bread-like, yeasty fragrance found in other quickly-aged, unconventional American single malts, like Defiant and Kopper Kettle. As the glass sat, a hint of flax seed, mint, and vanilla emerged. The taste was young and oaky, with a touch of sweetness just before a spicy rye burn appeared. A few drops of water revealed more bourbon-like vanilla and caramel notes, while the rye spice continued through the finish. I'm uncertain if I noticed the malted barley (I might need another taste), but this whiskey is every bit as good as I had hoped. In a Not-Quite-So-Dry glass: the aroma is exactly like I recall from the scattered glasses and damp tablecloths after a house party that always angered my mother. In a Dry glass: vanilla and dark Karo syrup.

I visited the distillery and sampled their bourbon selection at the charming small bar they've established (they also serve cocktails made with their spirits, which is great!). The current flight includes this Four Grain as the "standard" option, a Single Barrel version of the 4 Grain, and a Port Finished variety at 110.8 proof and $100 per bottle. The regular 4 Grain is quite commendable for a young spirit, similar to some offerings from Reservoir Distillery in Richmond, VA, but with a unique twist from the additional grains – a previous review mentioned a "hot electronics" taste, and I concur. It's quite enjoyable. The Single Barrel is an improvement, with only a slight hint of that fiery moonshine sensation at the back of the throat and a smoother, woodier character (at least for the current batch, #200.) The Port Finish isn't something I'd pay $100 for, but it's far from a failure; adding a decent amount of water enhances it, revealing the chocolate and cherry notes mentioned by the bartender, making it my preferred choice. The pours are also generous, and they provide pretzels to snack on... not bad for $14 if you can make the trip.

This one is intriguing. I'm uncertain if it's bourbon, Scotch, or something else entirely. What I appreciate about this brand is their willingness to experiment and create unique spirits. They must, in a sense, as they lack the luxury of aging their spirit for three years, forcing them to be inventive. I'm not sure how to describe the aroma... it's somewhat like a blend of motor oil, electrical sparks, and linseed oil. In a very good way. Flavor: young, woody... with a significant amount of mint, vanilla, caramel, and... there it is... now I'm detecting that bourbon sweetness. This isn't for everyone; it deviates from the typical whiskey profile – you'll either like it or wonder what it is. Personally, I enjoy it – it's so distinct... similar to experiencing Mezcal for the first time; it's a different kind of spirit. Thanks for this experience! It broadened my perspective to something entirely new.

Pleasant and gratifying! This has a distinct taste, yet it's surprisingly enjoyable. The sweetness fades quickly on the finish. Worth having on hand!

This spirit has a strong grain presence for me. The aroma is typical, with caramel, oak, and alcohol. It's less sweet than my usual choices and a bit rough. It makes an excellent Old Fashioned.