Four Roses Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Small Batch Bourbon (2017)

Nose- cherries; musty, aged oak; old books in a library; vanilla; honey; almond croissants; wild floral notes; raspberries Palate- Initial honey sweetness; baked cherry pie; aged, dusty leather; musty oak; spearmint; red apples; caramel Finish- Lingering, creamy finish; vanilla custard; aged, harmonious oak; raspberries; dusty leather This might be the most perfectly balanced dram I've ever experienced. Truly remarkable. A perfect 5/5. The nose, palate, and finish are all brimming with delicious flavors and tasting notes that continue for an extended period. Throughout the entire tasting, there's a phenomenal note of old, dusty oak. The price, however, is quite steep. Around $1000. For that amount, I'd much rather have three 2019 SMBLEs than one Al Young, simply because the 2019 LE is so incredible on its own. It's comparable to the 17-year Wild Turkey BiB that was recently released, but slightly more balanced with more fruit and sweetness. Regardless of the cost, this is one of the best drams from the last five years and strongly reinforces Four Roses' continued excellence in bourbon production.

Sample from a club pour. Outstanding. Aroma: Cherries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Milk Chocolate, Peaches, Vanilla, Caramel, White Chocolate, Oranges, Mint, Anise, Lemon Zest, Lavender, Maple Syrup, Pears, Raisins Taste: Vanilla, Cherries, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Maple Syrup, Buttercream Frosting, Blackberries, Peaches, Raspberries, Lavender, Herbs Finish: Vanilla, Raspberries, Chocolate, Cloves, Oranges, Honey, Flowers, Caramel, Lemons, Chamomile, Grass, Herbs

Four Roses Al Young 50th Anniversary Small Batch 2017 Limited Edition is a sophisticated Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Kentucky, crafted from a mix of 12- to 23-Year-Old Bourbons. It begins with a spicy and sweet character, featuring notes of vanilla and butter; as it develops, floral and leather notes emerge; leading to a long and gentle conclusion with hints of chocolate, acacia, and cinnamon. May / October 2018 / August 2022

Wow. The aroma of this is incredible. A floral scent initially, followed by honey and caramel. Keep in mind this is after allowing it to rest for about 5 minutes. Packed with flavors of caramel, honey, and hints of oak. Tastes sweet overall. This would be your special occasion drink. Definitely one of my top five. I paid a premium for this, but it was worth it. Tried it neat.

The aroma begins with vanilla and baking spices, followed by oak, custard, and a delicate floral fruitiness. The palate is rich with cinnamon and baking spices, balanced by oak and vanilla, accompanied by a floral note, sweet fruit, caramel, and buttered bread. The finish is long and peppery with creamy vanilla and oak that gradually fades.

This was a good spirit, comparable to many Four Roses select offerings. That's not a negative, but I have a Binny's OBSO that I enjoy just as much, and it cost $55 without the significant hype surrounding this particular release. It's good, but I'm uncertain what elevates it to limited edition status. I miss you, Jimmy.