Tasting Notes
Nose
This leaps from the glass with classic bourbon aromas of sugar cookies, polished wood, and caramel. Theres a touch of volatile acidity that gives it a slight note of fresh violets. It reads as older, with toasted cinnamon and allspice. I can feel the heat when I stick my nose in the glass, no surprise given that it is barrel proof. Theres a delicate note of toasted coconut under it all, giving me the impression of dark chocolate-dipped macaroons.
Palate
and rye grain and oak notes lead the charge on the long finish. In the Four Roses The 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon, the barrel of Recipe 1 uses is 25-years-old, which downplays some of the fruit notes but adds layers of complex spice notes like a high-end perfume. It is a fabulous bourbon in its own right. Recipe 6, OESV, uses the same yeast strain as Recipe 1. The difference is the mash bill. Elliott notes that the E mash bills show less rye spice than B and more sweetness and roundness from the corn. According to Elliott, the aromas are softer and sweeter, with delicate stone fruit notes that show elegance and balance and a slow fade out on the finish. Whereas Recipe 1 reminds me of perfume with its musky spice and fruit notes, to me, Recipe 6 comes off as utte
Finish
Comments:
Latest On The Whiskey Wash
Aged for 25-, 16-, 14- and 12-years in new American oak barrels, 56% ABV, mash bill: a blend of two 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley and 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley, SRP $199.99/ 750ml bottle
s process presents Four Roses The 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon bottled at 56% ABV, mash bill: a blend of two 75% corn, 20% r — a $199.99/ 750ml bottle expression that merits close attention.
Nose
This is a light, rose gold color.
Palate
Prior to this year, Ive not had much experience with Four Roses bourbons aside from the yellow label. Its been fun to taste both this and Four Roses The Ten Recipe Tasting Experience. Tasting the components alongside the finished release is an excellent way to better understand the Master Distillers process.rnrnAll-in-all, the final blend is a stellar sipping whiskey that would be a shame to mix with anything other than a dash of water, a good meal, and some friends.
Finish
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Verdict
Four Roses The 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon is an exceptional expression that stands among the finest in its category. It rewards patience and attention in equal measure, and we recommend it without reservation — though at $199.99/ 750ml bottle, one expects nothing less.
