Four Gate The Kelvin Collaboration (Batch 1)

Okay, so I'm not entirely sure, but we need to talk about the labeling. This producer releases new batches a couple of times a year, and they will be drastically different each time. So, this is the only named review I feel comfortable submitting for this particular bottling; otherwise, I'd just call it by the producer's name. This is a sherry rum finished bourbon. Batch 2, which I don't think is out yet, but samples have been distributed to many whisky reviewers (and as a result, I might have a slight idea of what's coming)... well, it's night and day in terms of differences. Aroma - waxy red fruits, sugarcane, and spicy, overripe fruit. Taste - Oh wow. It begins with a strong finish. You get some sherry and rum characteristics... berries, sugarcane, some yellow and dark fruits. Then, the spirit completely shifts and moves toward a very traditional bourbon profile. I feel this is similar to a certain Barton's release, but I could be mistaken. Peanuts, oak, vanilla, and caramel from the bourbon notes. I'm also detecting citrus from the bourbon component. I hesitate to go there, but a score of 4.0. For me, this is among the top bourbons of the year. I wanted to dislike it due to the 11 years of aging and the $200 price tag, but damn, it's good.

Consumed neat from a previously opened bottle. The initial aroma is dominated by its age and sherry influence, followed by oak and berries, then abundant vanilla and baking spice. A creamy, buttery note unifies the entire experience. I spent 30 minutes just appreciating the smell before tasting. The texture on the tongue is notably thick. It approaches the palate with surprisingly deep notes: dark brown sugar and even a dark almond liqueur. The taste is intensely sherry-forward, transitioning into vanilla and baking spices. The lingering legs evoke a rum influence, with vanilla and almond notes. The finish is impressively long and delightful. This may be my favorite sherry-finished bourbon. Unlike other sherry-influenced bourbons that emphasize bright notes and fruits, this one features intriguing dark elements, making it distinctive and engaging, in addition to being delicious. The aroma remains exceptionally captivating.

Served neat. Upon first pour, a wave of oak and bread quickly gave way to the sherry's influence. Vibrant, ripe raspberries and cherries. Intense sweetness. Layers of vanilla and sweet cream. A touch of chocolate. The profile shifts between dark and bright characteristics. On the palate, it's slick and syrupy. Brown sugars and maple arrive first, initially very dark. Then, these bright red fruits emerge, accompanied by a hint of almond. Following that are vanilla and oak. Vanilla and oak persist, drying the mouth, which then prompts the red fruits to return, stimulating salivation. A subtle chocolate note appears with further sips. A remarkable pour. Many sherry-influenced bourbons I've sampled remain light and bright. This one encompasses all the elements: dark, medium, and bright. Each aroma and taste offers a slightly different experience. One of my preferred pours from 2019.

It’s full of sherry, golden raisins, and cooked plums. The sherry-rum cask finish is a lovely partner for the high-rye bourbon that a specific distillery used for this expression. The first sip offered up the expected Sherry notes mixed with a heavy dose of simple syrup but the arrival of some pretty stout barrel tannins caught me off guard. At 11 years old, the tannins were far more aggressive than I expected. Spice rum kicked in at the end of the finish preventing this one from ending on a bitter only note. Make sure you let your bottle open up a bit before pouring your taste.

First impressions bring hints of spice alongside oak and fruit. Sipped neat, the first taste is agreeable, showing notes of oak, fruit, caramel, and vanilla. Spice emerges later, then recedes, concluding with a pleasant finish. Diluted with water, the heat and spice diminish, allowing the flavors to bloom beautifully, leading to a delicious end.

Excellent aroma, superb balance, and ideal proof. This is the kind of drink where you wonder, "Did I really finish that much already?!" It's best after resting for 45 minutes in the glass....