Now, down to the review. Once again Four Roses picks and bottles a winner, at least the sample that I reviewed. It's no secret I'm a fan of Four Roses as I've been picking private barrels from them for a number of years. I think Jim Rutledge is doing a fantastic job as Master Distiller and his selection for the 2013 Limited Edition Small Batch is yet further evidence. I find this release to be better than previous editions. The age blend in this release is very compelling making up two 13 year and one 18 year bourbons using three recipes that encompass OBSV (high rye), OBSK (high rye) and OESK (low rye). Pre-release review put the bottling proof at 110 but the bottles that I have are at 51.6% or 103.2 proof.
At first sip this is a very elegant whiskey full of flavor and lasting viscosity. As the bourbon hits the palate the spice is right up front and leans toward baking spices reminding me of Christmas cake with cloves and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is creamy and at mid palate ripe fruits of berries and tropical fruit pop up. The finish is very pleasant and moderately long with a lingering of moderate oak and and dark chocolate covered fruit.
There were approximately 8,000 bottles released. I managed two grab two before they disappeared. If you can find this on the shelves, I would suggest you grab a bottle. This release is a real winner.
I really like this one too, but I think the finish is a little on the short side really.
ReplyDelete...I think you got the mashbill info mixed up.
Joe
Joe - if you simply flip the bottle around, the recipes are notes on the back of the bottle. The mashbills listed are correct.
DeleteWeren't 12,000 bottles released? Much more than previous years. Only 8000 were let loose in the US, but previous numbers on these releases have all been the over-all numbers, not just the US release.
ReplyDeleteJoe
I wasn't counting the international release...simply those released in the U.S.
DeleteBut you said BOTH the K's are high rye. One is B and the other is E (lower rye). Then, you said the OBSV is the low rye mashbill when it's actually the high rye.
ReplyDeleteJoe
You're correct...I was referencing the yeast strain used in the mashbills; spicy vs fruity. B is high rye and E is low rye.
DeleteBelieve it or not, I really like reading your blog Greg. You've taught me a lot about dusty hunting and thanks for having me!
ReplyDeleteFour Roses has to be my favorite distillery these days. Even though we don't have stores that carry the Private Selections here in TX I'm lucky have a friend in KY that will "mule" them to me. Jim really is cranking out some good stuff.
Joe
Thank you Joe for reading and for catching my mistakes....sometimes even though I proof before posting I miss things. I'll be seeing Jim in April and will see if I can get some advance news on the 2014 LE releases.
DeletePicked up this bottle last week. I've been enjoying it immensely. Almost all gone ...
ReplyDelete