Review: Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon 2012 Edition
We just wrote about Four Roses’ 2012 Limited Edition Single Barrel release, now its 2012 Limited Edition Small Batch is hitting shelves. This cask strength whiskey is batched from casks containing four of Four Roses’ vaunted 10 recipes, 12-year-old OBSK, a 12-year-old OESK, an 11-year-old OBSV, and the centerpiece, a 17-year-old OBSV. By comparison, last year’s oldest whiskey included in the blend was 13 years old, so there’s some really old stock in this one.
Lots of flavor in this Bourbon, starting with a surprising surfeit of fruit. Cherry and peach are on the nose, then big on the palate when you take a sip. Chocolate and cedar wood character come along soon after. The finish is long and lasting, with hints of apple in that chocolate. Think Nutella as a snack after school. Er, after work. The finish has plenty of heat, but even at 115 proof, it’s perfectly drinkable without water, a testament to the depth and power within.
All told this is one of 4R’s best Limited Edition Small Batch releases in recent years (if not the best), rich but not overpowering, with a good balance of sweet, savory, and all-around goodness.
115 proof sample (actual bottling proof may vary). 4,000 bottles produced.
A / $90 / fourrosesbourbon.com
Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon 2012 Edition
$90
