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Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition 2015

Class of 2015

0 997

@MuddyFunsterReview by @MuddyFunster

25th May 2016

0

  • Nose
    25
  • Taste
    24
  • Finish
    24
  • Balance
    24
  • Overall
    97

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

So one of the benefits of living in London is that the number of bourbon nuts is still relatively small compared to the USA, and living in London I can get to the shops when limited releases first arrive. We pay a little more (usually about double the price) but we can get want we want if we're prepared to seek it out. I've managed to get a couple of these.

Colour is light golden brown, oily in the glass.

Nose is the most sublime thing about this. Oily, unctuous, fragrant, perfumed, rich caramels, muscovado sugars, sweet vinous grapes, sweet corn oils, touch of spearmint, cranberry, raspberry, red berry fruit, soft deep oak, vanilla custard.

Taste is strangely light and oily in mouthful, but spicy and hot. However, the flavours roll over the hotness. Red berry fruits, cranberry, spice, mint, muscovado sugars, sweet white vinous grapes, soft aged vanilla oak, raisins.

Finish is big a long. Raisins, caramels, cranberry, vanilla and oak. No tannins at all. Smooth and loooong.

Stunning whisky.

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9 comments

@Pete1969
Pete1969 commented

I am still waiting to get rid of my cold/throat infection been on anti biotics then got the sniffles, been sat on 5 bottles of this for over 2 weeks after this review really want to crack the seal but going to hold off so can do it justice. Will let you know what I think shortly.

7 years ago 0

@MuddyFunster
MuddyFunster commented

I think our American friends would be horrified by how easy it was to get this in the UK

7 years ago 0

maltmate302 commented

MuddyFunster I agree that it's normally fairly easy to get when it's first released but would our American Friends pay the prices that we have to.I'm not to sure that most of them would!

7 years ago 0

broadwayblue commented

As one of those mentioned American friends, I had to jump through all sorts of hoops to get my hands on some of this. Truth be told I haven't actually gotten my hands on it yet. But my bottles have earned some frequent flyer miles having gone from Kentucky to Denmark to Turkey to Germany...and with any luck I'll be meeting up with them this summer! A hassle to be sure, but with a review like this it sounds like it will be worth it.

7 years ago 0

@Pete1969
Pete1969 commented

Just had a small dram tonight absolutely gorgeous whisky the balance is the most astounding thing about it, nothing out of place and the ABV is just right. Enough strength to carry the flavours without overpowering any of the subtleties of flavour and the extra body coats the mouth resulting in a long finish.

MuddyFunster your review does this justice and totally agree that this is 97 pointer at least.

7 years ago 0

@Pete1969
Pete1969 commented

Shared a few drams with friends 2 of which are occasionally bourbon drinkers the other a confirmed single malt man, but detests Islay whisky.

All in agreement this is a must have whisky if you get the chance to buy a dram in a bar get your money out and enjoy. The general consensus being not just an excellent bourbon but an exceptional whisky Grau online still showing stock but no longer delivering to UK damn Brexit only €80 and I can not get another.

7 years ago 0

@Victor
Victor commented

For the top tier stuff like Four Roses Limited Editions, yes, the US market would definitely bear paying twice the official US list prices. Twice US list is still well below the secondary market prices for Four Roses Limited Edition, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, Van Winkle, Parkers Heritage Collection, etc.

Domestic whiskey pricing structure in the US has been changing a lot in the last 2 years. The pricing floor has definitely been rising well more than the rate of currency depreciation for many of the products on the market. That said, there are still quite a few very good American whiskeys available domestically for domestic prices below $ 25 and even below $ 15. How long will that last? I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised if it changed at any time.

All of the top 1% products, e.g. those mentioned above, however, have been ridiculous to obtain in the US for the last 3 years.

@MuddyFunster, @maltmate302, @Pete1969, for procurement of US premium products you are currently in a similar position to where US aficionados were getting these products in 2010. By 2013, however, the scalpers--aka "flippers", had entered the market and the available supply became tightly constricted. I applaud you for your enterprise in hustling to put away the bottles you are getting. Good work. I am happy that those bottles are in the hands of people who want to drink them.

7 years ago 0

@Pete1969
Pete1969 commented

Victor my wife is coming round to a tour of the USA, I am hoping to start in NY for a few days, hire a car drive to Kentucky(with a stop or 2 on route) do the bourbon trail or part of it over 3-4 days and then drive through to Washington for a few sights before the final leg up the Eastern seaboard back to NY.

In the early stages but at least she is thinking about it, there will be a bottle of this in the luggage if you or your sister have not sourced one by 2017/2018 when I am hoping to make the trip and we can incorporate it into a tasting. Will bring something nice from Islay as well, Islay Barley 6.3 is looking favourite, and any bargains from the trail as can only take 2 bottles home and would like to make them Bookers rye or Wild Turkey/Russels Reserve Rye if available at the distillerys.

7 years ago 0

@Victor
Victor commented

@Pete1969, Wow! Great. Can't wait to see you! We always show our guests a good time here when they come visit DC.

7 years ago 0

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