Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2011
Mingling of four recipes, aged between 11 and 13 years
Barrel strength; this sample, 111 proof
Aroma: Floral notes, toasted oak, caramel, nutmeg
Taste: Brown sugar, honey, chocolate, hints of spice and apricot
Verdict: Buy this bourbon! By mingling four of Four Roses’ 10 recipes, Master Distiller Jim Rutledge has achieved a velvety smooth result with rich, full flavors. I liked the 2011 Limited Edition Single Barrel, too, but where its fire almost overpowers its flavors, the Small Batch slowly warms them for a much mellower sip. This bourbon will be excellent for savoring on the cold winter nights to come. The Limited Edition Small Batch will be officially introduced at the 2011 Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown in September; Four Roses kindly provided the Bourbon Babe with a sample. You can bet I’ll be scanning the shelves next month for one of the 3,500 bottles that will be released – and you should be, too.
