Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel (2012)

Four Roses has been capturing loads of hype lately. Some consider it one of the most underrated labels on the market, especially after the Pappy van Winkles and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection chase. This year, the Limited Edition Small Batch has won all the attention. Previous releases (such as the 2011) are still on the market, as are predecessor releases (e.g. the Mariage line - a 'marriage' of 2 bourbons, the SB is a double marriage, 4 bourbons). John Hansell, of the whisky advocate, rated the Small Batch ahead of the George T Stagg, and his top whisky reviewed in the winter edition of the WA (www.whiskyadvocateblog.com) -- ahead even of the 2d release of Lagavulin 21 and the Brora 35! Of course, the Small Batch has been flying off the shelves, and prices have gone up from $69 all the way to over $100 on some websites because, frankly, people are willing to pay for the latest chase spirit that is so well reviewed.

This, however, is one of the Single Barrels released as part of the annual Limited Edition. I ordered two bottles of the Small Batch, but got these instead, through store error. I wound up getting the Small Batch elsewhere later, but when life gives you good Bourbon, you drink it! So, I decided to try it and see how it was. I haven't had much Four Roses bourbon, and certainly not for a long time.

This is 55.2%, from warehouse SN, and Barrel 81-2I. There are a few other barrels used for the 2012 Single Barrel LE release, but these are my notes for this one.

Nose: Caramel, toffee, and a rich creaminess sweep through. Vanilla and soft mint with licorice, all rather refreshing. The rye is subtle, but thankfully present with a mid-nosing. The wood is excellent - light, soft, and dry. It's not too sweet, but the rye does develop the cotton candy/sugar candy type aroma, subdued and tertiary. Very elegant, and followed by violet and orange blossom sitting in maple.

Palate: Yeah, I don't know why anybody would add water to this because it's so easy in the mouth. The entry is silky, followed by a small amount of heat. Honey, cream, rye, wood, and soft woody (and light) cinnamon start to swirl. Somebody drops a sprig of mint to class it up. The minty profile is definitely there, but this is hardly minty; it's just enough to invigorate and sooth (I know).

Finish: The right amount of sweetness, bitterness, dryness, and supple richness. Very delightful alcohol, and good length. Easy to drink loads of this. Complex at turns, but tres enjoyable. It wound up being one of my favorite bourbons. A-/A (really, 93.5)

I've tried this a few times. I'm usually a little skeptical and less keen on the 'mint' in the bourbon, but this works well and doesn't overwhelm. On first tasting, I thought that this was almost too drinkable, and had to slow down to capture what was going on. It's understated; the more I have, the more I like it. It doesn't feel as mouth-heavy as some other bourbons at the same alcohol content, but it's very hard to criticize this. Great stuff. I'd be interested in comparing it to bottles of other barrels from the Single Barrel releases for this year.

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