Whiskey season is formally underway, of us, and first out of the autumn launch gate is 4 Roses, with the 2022 Version of its Restricted Version Small Batch launch. There’s loads of previous inventory within the mix with this launch, as all the time. It’s composed of 20 year-old bourbon from the OBSV recipe, 15 year-old OESK, 14 year-old OESF, and 14 year-old OESV. Curiously, this yr 4 Roses has not offered any share breakdowns, although I wouldn’t learn an excessive amount of into that; Grasp Distiller Brent Elliott notes that the 20 yr previous was one of many two core batches within the mix.
My pattern arrived with a lot fanfare — however with fairly a little bit of barrel char sediment within the pattern bottle to go together with it. Barrel bits are the norm in bourbon samples, however this was greater than I can keep in mind ever seeing; I requested the distillery about it and was assured it was regular. However, I let issues settle out for a few days earlier than cracking it open to keep away from getting a mouthful of wooden bits throughout my tasting.
To wit, let’s dive in.
The nostril is massive, and somewhat robust regardless of a relatively low 54.5% abv. It’s initially somewhat robust to get a line on, notes of butterscotch and sandalwood taking a again seat to a harder, charred oak observe. Over time, notes of eucalyptus, recent ginger, and peppery clove give the whiskey a slight medicinal high quality — virtually briny at occasions.
The palate feels extra subdued, however not a lot. Racy at first with baking spice and extra of that ginger, it segues into extra conventional notes of vanilla and chocolate, caramel sauce, and naturally ample char. The gingery notes cling for an extended whereas, informing the end with a spiciness that tempers the lumberyard component right into a form of burly, evergreen lumberjack high quality. I can style the flannel right here, I swear.
A curious, although definitely attention-grabbing, entry into the Restricted Version Small Batch canon.
109 proof. 14,100 bottles produced.
B+ / $180 / fourrosesbourbon.com
4 Roses Restricted Version Small Batch Bourbon 2022 Version
$180
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