Four Roses Small Batch
Bourbon is as much a part of Super Bowl Day in the USA as scotch is on Robert Burns Day in Scotland. For today's Super Bowl match day, we have chosen a standard bourbon that can be enjoyed neat or in a cocktail.
If you want to buy this bottling, you can use the affiliate link. The price stays the same for you, and we receive a small commission. This helps us cover ongoing costs and stay ad-free. Alcohol is only sold to persons aged 18 and over. ♥️
Buy on AmazonTasting Notes
Nose
The Four Roses Small Batch opens with a sweet note reminiscent of icing sugar, followed by caramel and maple syrup. Slightly nutty flavours with a splash of citrus join in. On the more savoury side, we find something reminiscent of sourdough and rye.
Palate
The bourbon is (surprisingly) spicy. Here, too, we think of rye. As in the nose, we find a caramel undertone, as well as sweet notes - similar to a honeydew melon. Of course, vanilla is also present in this bourbon! In general, the mouthfeel can be described as creamy, sweet and spicy.
Finish
The oaky, spicy finish is medium to long and has some roasted flavours and burnt corn on the cob.
Thoughts
Marcel 69/100 - (Good)
The Four Roses Small Batch is a pleasant companion for Super Bowl night, without stirring up any strong emotions. It shows character but remains somewhat restrained overall – more of a solid everyday bourbon than a standout. For a bit more excitement in the glass, I’d rather reach for Bulleit or Buffalo Trace next time.
Sascha 75/100 - (Very good)
Despite decent spice and a creamy texture, the Four Roses Small Batch lacks the complexity needed to truly impress. The balance between sweetness and rye spice is well done, yet the overall profile feels somewhat linear and predictable. For the price-performance ratio, Bulleit 10 Year or Buffalo Trace offer more structure and depth.
Value for Money: 4/5 (Good)
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
-
Buffalo Trace (45%)
In our previous report, we already delved into Buffalo Trace's entry-level offering in their portfolio. Without age statement and still extremely popular in the USA, little has changed in the characteristics mentioned since then. However, this time we have the "90 Proof" (45% alcohol by volume) version of Kentucky Straight Bourbon in front of us, which is always bottled at this strength in its country of origin.
-
Bulleit Bourbon 10 Years
Under the name Bulleit Diageo distributes a bourbon brand whose exact origin was unclear for a long time. With the 10-years bottling they offer one of the few core range Bourbons with an age statement.Until 2013, Bulleit was (allegedly) distilled by Four Roses for Diageo. Then in 2017, a Bulleit distillery was built in Kentucky. In between, there was also a Bulleit visitor center at the former Stitzel-Weller Distiller. What is no secret is the recipe for Bulleit: 68% corn, 28% rye and 4% malted barley.
-
Owensboro - Anam na h-Alba
The German Independent Bottler Anam na h-Alba from Oberhausen proudly labels itself as "The Soul of Scotland." Hence, it was quite surprising when we stumbled upon a Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled by them. The label promises a just shy of four years old Single Barrel bottling from Owensboro, seemingly distilled by Green River Distilling from Owensboro, Kentucky. Let's dive into what this cask-strength whiskey has to offer.
-
Eagle Rare 10 Years
Buffalo Trace is undoubtedly one of the most respected distilleries in Kentucky, perhaps even in the entire USA. They present different variations of their Kentucky Straight Bourbon under various brand names. Today we're looking at Eagle Rare's 10-years whiskey, which is based on their secret "Mash Bill #1", which is thought to contain less than 10% rye.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets the Four Roses Small Batch apart from other bourbons?
The Four Roses Small Batch is distinguished by its complex blend of sweet and spicy notes, particularly the combination of caramel, maple syrup, and rye spice. It delivers a creamy, sweet-spicy mouthfeel and a medium-length, oaky-spicy finish with roasted aromas.
How is the Four Roses Small Batch best enjoyed?
This bourbon is suitable both for sipping neat and as a base for cocktails. Its balanced sweetness and spice make it versatile, for example in a classic Old Fashioned or a Bourbon Sour.
Why does the Four Roses Small Batch have no age statement on the bottle?
The Four Roses Small Batch is a so-called No Age Statement (NAS) bourbon. This means it is blended from barrels of varying ages to ensure a consistent flavor without specifying a particular age.