Four Gate The Kelvin Collaboration III (Batch 12)

Wow, I am surprised I haven't written about this bottle yet. A friend and I on another site did cover it, but I thought I had reviewed it here. I'm working through my collection and catching up on reviews. It's a real struggle to keep up, and it's even harder since I've started enjoying more unusual selections. The system still requires using a phone to add bottles, which is frustrating! I'm writing these notes from the glass in front of me, not from previous writings. So, if this differs from a video review, that's on me:) Nose - The initial aroma is overpowering PX sherry, masking the bourbon more than I remember from earlier pours. I must say, I enjoy it. It presents as red fruits, berries, and chewy red gummy candies, followed by a distinct aroma of newly charred oak, reminding you this is indeed bourbon, not a malt. Digging deeper reveals corn grains, vanilla, and caramel, the classic bourbon characteristics. Further exploration uncovers hints of apple and cinnamon, indicating strong Barton distillate presence. I suspect there's also some Heaven Hill in here, though I can't detect it on the nose. A dense oak and corn element remains, likely needing water to open up, so I'll add some. Water - This doesn't change much. It integrates the whisky, making individual notes harder to discern. Instead, it blends the sweet bourbon and sweet sherry. I don't detect any rum notes; I'm unsure of its contribution here. Taste - Contrary to the nose, the initial taste is unmistakably bourbon. It's potent, somewhat unrefined, a little aggressive, and absolutely fantastic. The bourbon offers a hint of well-aged oak and spice upfront, but the finish is intense with a kick, suggesting some youth. My research indicates this is approximately 10-11 year old Barton with 7 year old Heaven Hill (which might explain the price, as Heaven Hill spirits are costly even at that age). The PX sherry contributes notes of figs and dates, alongside both milk and dark chocolate in the finish. Faint nutty undertones appear occasionally, not distinctly like peanut but present throughout the mid-palate and finish. It's incredibly rich, deep, and full-bodied... I'm completely smitten. Water doesn't significantly alter the experience. The finish becomes slightly more meaty and dense, and more pronounced. When I first acquired this, I had trouble identifying the bourbon's source distillery. Eventually, I concluded it was Barton, but I thought a few unusual barrels were included. It turns out they incorporated some 7-year-old Heaven Hill barrels; I knew something was different. My initial assessment was also incorrect. I believe the 7-year-old bourbon has both positive and negative effects. It adds intriguing complexity and nuance to the bourbon profile, but it also makes the whisky drink younger and less polished than the first batch. Overall - This $200 bourbon is well worth the price. Yes, I understand it's bourbon, and its assertiveness might be unwelcome at this price point. It's not as refined as a 21-year-old, 43% ABV single malt. However, it delivers an in-your-face, rich, complex bourbon experience with an exceptionally good cask finish that has added layers of complexity. These are simply outstanding finishing casks, representing a bourbon lover's ideal pairing that enhances the spirit, introduces new elements, but never overshadows the very interesting and pleasant bourbon blend. My issue with this brand has always been their high pricing, $180+, even when the finishing isn't particularly noteworthy. One was even $300??? But this particular bottling? They absolutely nailed it! 3.75 out of 5. It's genuinely THAT AMAZING! I might even consider upgrading it to a 4.0, but that won't be based on this bottle, which is nearly depleted. Fortunately, I have backups... I may even purchase a third bottle tomorrow. For $200, you won't find a better bourbon on the market today. Unless you win a lottery for a BTAC, and even then, this surpasses many BTAC offerings. It's not a 2017 GTS, but I would choose this over the 2020 Eagle Rare any day.

Tried neat, from the first pour from the bottle. Kelvin Collaboration I is one of my all-time favorite drinks. I wasn't able to get the second release. I've been anticipating this tasting while relaxing outside on my patio on a bright Saturday afternoon. The aroma is less intense and brighter than I anticipated. The sherry influence is more prominent than the rum notes. I'd guess this is younger than the first batch, or contains a higher proportion of younger barrels in the mix. The sherry is lovely, though. Beneath that, there's a hint of peanut shells. It has many qualities of fruit tart, with a very sweet and slightly sour profile, reminiscent of pie crust. It even leans towards vanilla waffles. Truly a rich and pure dessert experience. Moving on to the taste... Another success from Four Roses. I must remember to never skip these releases again. The mouthfeel is slick and syrupy thick. The rum's influence is immediately noticeable at the front of the palate. The cinnamon sugar sweetness is amplified to an almost overwhelming level. It then shifts to a rich dark chocolate and a blend of fruits. These fruits are coated in a simple syrup glaze. As I let it sit, the bourbon's inherent flavors begin to emerge as well. Rich caramel and tobacco notes are present. I'm going to take a moment to savor this experience... Comparing it side-by-side with Kelvin I, this might actually be superior. Which is astonishing. They are very different. Kelvin I's finish complements an older bourbon, being darker with a more pronounced oak character. Kelvin III is light, bright, and incredibly sweet. However, it also possesses greater depth and is simply more enjoyable if you're in the mood for sweetness. Highly recommended.

NOSE: Strawberry shortcake, oak, candy corn, blackberry taffy, leather, toffee, candied prunes, and figs. It's warm, rich, and unique with a dry candy note. The Four Gate Kelvin Collaboration 3 presents a fun aroma. PALATE: Rum funk, oak, strawberry shortcake, candy corn, dark fruit leather, toffee, figs, candied citrus, and some nuts. The intense flavors build upon the aroma, showcasing a multitude of great profiles, a balanced interplay of clashing and merging. FINISH: Long, with dark fruity and candy sweet notes that fade into nutty oak.

A clean, bright aroma of sweet Sherry, with notes of pepper, vanilla, and apricot on the finish.

There's a slight burn on the nose. Notes of cinnamon and anise, but it's quite potent.