Four Gate Four By Four (Batch 20)

Perhaps I wasn't fortunate this year, or maybe I've become more judicious with my spending, but based on the limited selection I tried, this is my top bourbon of 2022 so far. Let me explain why. Nose - You can immediately identify well-aged MGP by the aroma, a 9-year-old that is simply divine. The rye spice combines with leather, tobacco, and aged vanilla. I love it. However, with this rum cask finish, there's an additional layer. It's slightly funky, a bit light, and most importantly, playful. Sure, a hint of mint appears, along with some of the sugar cane from the rum, and more fruity sour notes – just wonderful. Taste - Spice and oak mingle with rock candy, rum notes, a powerful rye and vanilla, and charred burnt brown sugar. Fantastic! Some orange citrus vitamins and light apples are present. A long, satisfying finish with delightful flavors. This incredible, unique example of well-aged MGP introduces amazing elements of smoke, oak, ash, candy, funk, spice, tobacco, vanilla... I could continue for ages. I also detect toasted oak. Simply astonishing. The more you drink this, the better it becomes. Adding water reveals more interesting nuances. Unfortunately, this is an exceptionally rare bottle, with approximately 600 produced. It was aged in Four Square barrels, if you're curious (four by four). I'm awarding this an outstanding 4.0.

Intense spice, rich hot cinnamon sweetness