It’s easy to forget how fortunate we Kentucky-based whiskey writers are. Not only do we get new release samples well ahead of the general press and the public, they’re often poured on site at lavish release parties (as was the case at last week’s Old Forester event) or hand delivered to our offices, as happened yesterday with the Four Roses 2016 Limited Edition Small Batch. Life’s good when someone brings you a few ounces of a precious potable, and it’s even better when a bourbon wonk buddy drops by unplanned to taste it with you.

As the name states, this is a Small Batch, meaning the bottled result is a blend of multiple barrels. Four Roses master distiller Brent Elliott chose an undisclosed number of 12-year-old barrels containing the distillery’s OESO recipe, its 12-year-old OBSV recipe and its 16-year-old OESK recipe. The blend was bottled at barrel strength, 111.2 proof.2016-FR-LE-Small-Batch-web

According to a news release, Elliott selected the OESO recipe as the blend’s anchor recipe because his tasting panel was “able to highlight its exceptional fruitiness and balance it out with more age and spice from the two other recipes.”

Four Roses’ tasting notes mention “sweet cherry and crisp green apples, mingled with rich apricot and structured rye aromas. Tart citrus flavors greet the palate, then give way to hints of sweet molasses, peppery spices and decadent crème brulée. The finish is long and gentle, with delicate honey and light mint.”

My friend and I did not read the release before our sipping and nosing, yet we got the following similarities: aromas of stone fruit, cherry, spearmint and toasted wood, and rich flavors of toffee, oak and custard. The texture was lush and creamy on the palate, which gave way to a slightly dry finish. As he finished his pour, my friend muttered, “Balanced, really balanced.”

The Lawrenceburg distillery said 9,258 hand-numbered bottles will be released in the U.S. only, and that fans could look forward to it on retailer’s shelves by mid-September. No price was mentioned in the news release, but given that last year’s Small Batch retailed for $129, it’s likely to cost similarly.

For what it’s worth, I like this release far better than the 2015 Small Batch release, which was hot on my palate, though its proof was lower at 108. My WhiskeyWash.com colleague, however, loved it.

This release, as my friend said, is wonderfully balanced, not to mention rich and fruity. Just excellent all around. While likely expensive, it would be one I’d love to receive for my upcoming 52nd birthday. Just sayin’ in case there’s a generous bourbon benefactor reading this.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

59 COMMENTS

  1. What i don’t understood is in truth how you are not actually a lot more neatly-liked than you might be now.
    You’re so intelligent. You realize therefore significantly when it comes to this matter, made me in my opinion consider it from a lot of numerous angles.
    Its like men and women don’t seem to be fascinated unless it is something to accomplish with Woman gaga!
    Your individual stuffs excellent. All the time maintain it up!

  2. Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is important and all. However think of if you added some great pictures
    or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics
    and clips, this site could undeniably be one of the very best in its field.
    Superb blog!

  5. Someone essentially help to make significantly posts I might
    state. That is the first time I frequented your website page and up to now?
    I amazed with the analysis you made to make this actual post extraordinary.
    Wonderful activity! cheap flights 31muvXS

  6. Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to
    browse your site on my iphone during lunch break. I love the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.

    I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not
    even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, superb blog!

  7. Appreciating the dedication you put into your website and
    detailed information you offer. It’s awesome to come across a blog
    every once in a while that isn’t the same out
    of date rehashed information. Fantastic read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  9. You can definitely see your expertise in the article you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.|

  17. Greetings I am so thrilled I found your site, I really found you by mistake,
    while I was browsing on Aol for something else,
    Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a tremendous post and a all
    round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added
    your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back
    to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the great b.

  18. Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to
    browse your website on my iphone during lunch break.
    I enjoy the info you present here and can’t wait to
    take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my
    mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, superb site!

  21. I think this is among the such a lot vital information for me.
    And i am glad studying your article. However wanna commentary on few common issues, The site style is perfect, the articles is
    truly great : D. Good job, cheers

  36. Many thanks a whole lot for sharing this with all of us you really recognise Anything you’re discussing! Bookmarked. Make sure you also communicate around with my Web-site =). We should have a website link trade agreement involving us

LEAVE A REPLY