Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon

FOUR ROSES SHOWDOWN Four Roses Small Batch Select Four Roses Single Barrel (NS 52-1N) I believe Four Roses doesn't receive sufficient recognition, and I'm part of that oversight. Some time ago, a local shop offered Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel Select, which I found exceptional (their absence from the Four Roses website makes their current production status uncertain, though they are still available online). I'm quite fond of the relatively new Small Batch Select, though I hesitate to admit it publicly for fear of depleting the stock. I've also appreciated the various single barrel selections. I currently have two in my collection: the Small Batch Select (previously assessed on 5/22/22) and this Single Barrel, which awaits my initial review. These two provide excellent options for another Showdown. Four Roses Small Batch Select This presents as a clear, dried orange hue, positioned between Pantone 151 and 152. The aroma is fruity, featuring notes of dried apricot, tart apple, toffee, sweet honey, Frosted Mini Wheats (unexpected given the mashbill), vanilla, a hint of white pepper, and spearmint. The palate offers more sweet toffee, bypassing any anticipated alcohol burn for notes of cinnamon, char, white pepper, and vanilla. This may very well be the most mellow 104-proof bourbon I've encountered. However, do not mistake mellowness for simplicity; it's a considerable achievement to conceal 104 proof points so gracefully, with numerous distinct flavors vying for notice. I would welcome a higher proof expression. Four Roses Small Batch Select can be purchased for under $60. Would I purchase it again? Yes. In fact, I had already done so after my initial tasting. 104 proof. No Age Statement (6-7 years, per company website). Non-chill filtered. From recipes OBSV, OBSK, OBSF, OESV, OESK, OESF. Four Roses Single Barrel (NS 52-1N) The color matches the previous sample, a clear dry orange resembling Pantone 151/152. The nose evokes carrot cake, dried orange, marzipan, apples, vanilla, and some spearmint. A waxy aroma is present, consistent with extended wood maturation. The palate has a slight thickness, revealing sweet orange and a pleasing warmth. The finish carries some rye spice, sweet espresso, black licorice, and a generous amount of oaky vanilla. This Single Barrel is exceptional. It possesses all the desirable qualities: intricacy, seamlessly integrated proof, and effortless enjoyment. The different versions can be found for less than $50, representing significant value. Would I acquire another? Absolutely. Without a doubt. 100 proof. No Age Statement (7-9 years, per company website). Warehouse NS; Barrel 52-1N. I have been a strong admirer of the Small Batch Select since its market debut. However, I am surprised to find myself rating this particular Single Barrel more highly. Both of these bourbons are superb, for distinct reasons. The Small Batch Select is sweet and subtly complex; it is well-balanced, smooth, and very pleasurable. The Single Barrel displays more pronounced complexity, reflecting its longer maturation period; the slightly lower proof also seems to register more effectively – and this is intended as praise. Both bottles boast a substantial 100-104 proof, but I would never consider using either for a cocktail. These are bourbons intended for deliberate, unhurried enjoyment. Note: All spirits were sampled neat in a Glencairn glass.

Nose: Exhibits light and vibrant notes of cocoa, fruit husk, and citrus zest. Palate: Caramel emerges unexpectedly as the initial flavor, which I didn't detect on the nose. The chocolate theme reappears, albeit subtly. Finish: Shows some astringency with pleasant oak flavors and a vanilla frosting sweetness. I appreciate this bottle; it's distinct from other Four Roses offerings I've sampled. Its bright, vibrant flavors offer a welcome departure from deeper, richer profiles found in other bourbons. This is an excellent choice for sipping when you're not seeking a high-proof, intense drink.

Aroma: Light and lively scents, including cocoa husk and citrus peel. Taste: Caramel appears suddenly as the first flavor on the tongue, which was not detected on the nose. The chocolate element is present again but quite subtle. Finish: Exhibits slight astringency with nice oak characteristics and vanilla frosting. I enjoy this bottle, as it differs from previous Four Roses expressions I've tried. Its fresh, vibrant flavors provide a pleasant change from richer profiles, making it a good option for relaxed sipping rather than high-proof drinking.

Palate: Vanilla, fruit, some sweet oak Nose: Caramel, vanilla, cherry that gradually shifts to baking spices Finish: Short to medium, with cherry and baking spices A notable improvement over Four Roses' small batch. This pour has a good body and is a blend of six out of the ten Four Roses recipes. Additionally, at 104 proof, it delivers a slightly darker flavor profile and more impact on the finish—a delightful whiskey for any evening.

Glass: Glencairn, allowed to rest for 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Fruity and floral with some baking spice notes. Palate: Features baking spice, vanilla, and oak tannins. Finish: Medium in length, providing warmth without intense heat. With a splash: No new flavor profiles emerge. Overall: Rated 8/10. A dependable sipper, suitable for daily consumption. It's reasonably priced and widely available. My preferred expression from Four Roses.

The aroma presents hints of stone fruit and chocolate, along with some sweetness and a touch of proof. The palate is buttery caramel, semi-sweet chocolate, and a mild warmth, with a stone fruit sweetness in the mid-palate. It finishes smoothly throughout. It's a bit more complex than the single barrel four roses, and while the proof is noticeable, it's not overwhelming. Very approachable and pleasant.