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.
Tasting 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
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
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: Good
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82/100Frequently 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.