Four Roses SmB 2021- 57.1%
Four Roses Small Batch LE is the bourbon release I look most forward to each fall. The blending never feels heavy handed - managing to preserve character and nuance - and the oak provides structure/depth without burying the distillate. Along with their barrel strength Private Selections, Four Roses makes the bourbons that keep me excited about bourbon. Personal favorites in the Small Batch LE line are: 2014 (I know, I know), 2019, 2013, and 2015. The components in the 2021 blend are:16 yr. OBSV, 14 yr. OBSQ,12 yr. OESK, and 16 yr. OESV.
Notes: Oak and blueberry crumble ice cream - butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cream. Rye spice and leather. Candied pecans. Toffee. Full and slow on entry - blueberry again, vanilla, leather, caramel & cream. More active toward the back with oak and spice. Body and structure are great.
Score: 8 (Stash One) For all the blueberry ice cream notes, this is a fairly savory pour. The oak works well to connect the sweet and savory. Nose is off the charts good. Very measured and deliberate on the palate. Decadent and highly satisfying. Glad I stashed one.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour