Category: Brian’s Whiskey Reviews

Four Roses Small Batch Select

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Four Roses Small Batch Select Review:

reviewed 01-September-2023

FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH SELECT BOURBON REVIEW:

Four Roses Small Batch Select (Four Roses Select) offers a balanced aroma and flavor profile of fruit, spice, sweet, and wood. On the first draw, my nose found fruit blossoms, roasted sweet corn, and hints of mint, followed by a medley of fruits, spices, and sweet elements. Most of these aromas pass along  to the palate. Even at 104 Proof, this bourbon offers a silky mouthfeel with only a slight tongue tickle. The finish is long-lasting, and has a mix of dark fruits, spices, along with a touch of sweetness, and fades away on vanilla, caramel, and seasoned oak.

FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH SELECT VITAL STATS:
Four Roses Small Batch Select

Category: Limited Release Small Batch Bourbon
Region: Lawrenceburg, KY
Distillery: Four Roses
Recipe Blend: OBSV (adds delicate fruit and rye); OBSK (adds rye and baking spice); OBSF (adds delicate rye and mint); OESV (adds delicate fruit and caramel); OESK (adds baking spice; OESF (adds light grain and mint)
Yeast Strains: V (adds delicate fruit notes); K (adds slight spiciness); F (adds herbal notes)
Mash Bill B: 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley
Mash Bill E: 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley
Barrel Char: unpublished
Barrel entry proof: unpublished
Age: nas (said to be about 6-7 years)
Filtration: Non-chill-filtered
ABV: 52% (104 Proof)
Fair Price: $75.47 (BoozApp, August 2023)
Paid: $62.45 (Oregon, Summer 2023)

THE FOUR ROSES RECIPES DEFINED

Each recipe name is composed of four letters (I.e. OBSV) identifying its production facility, mash bill, distillation process and yeast strain.

The Recipes

O – The first letter is always O, designating the distillation at Four Roses Distillery
B, E – This letter designates the mash bill. Each has a different ratio of corn, rye, and malted barley
S – The third letter is always S, designated it as straight whiskey
F, K, O, Q, V – This letter identifies the proprietary yeast strain. Each creates unique flavors.

Learn more at Four Roses Bourbon.

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

A pour of about four ounces, was made into my Glencairn. The liquid rested for about 30 minutes before the first sip was taken. The pour was made on Day 1 of the 2023 30 Bourbons in 30 Days Challenge.

FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH SELECT NOSE:

Four Roses Select has an expansive aroma profile to entice the senses. At first inhale, after the nip of alcohol subsides, my nose was greeted with a bit of barrel tannin then fruit tree blossoms came in to create an inviting and fragrant lightness. I sensed roasted sweet corn and a hint of mint along with ripe red raspberry, fresh cut tart apple, cherry and a bit of apricot. As the fruity aromas mingle, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg sprinkled with white pepper and rye counter the sweetness. Then comes vanilla, followed by simple syrup and caramelized sugar and honey. Beneath this sweetness lies a subtle undercurrent of pineyness and toasted oak, along with the freshness of petricor which adds welcome earthy tones.

FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH SELECT PALATE:

Many of the aromas sensed on the nose pass through to the palate. Four Roses Select starts dry and warm as herbal dusty grain blends with sweet apple flavored pipe tobacco. The fruit train continues, as red berries, soft apples, apricots, and orange marmalade welcome cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and rye. The spices contribute a gentle, tingling heat and help blend in vanilla, brown sugar caramel rich and soft honey. I taste subtle pinenuts and lightly toasted oak which gives each sip woody depth. The fruity undertones, and touch of spice along with the woody sweetness makes this a truly satisfying sip.

Four Roses Small Batch Select

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Four Roses Select is solid, well blended and nicely balanced. Initial sips are a bit prickly but easy to hold as the liquid feels silky in my mouth and makes me salivate. When swirled in the glass, a thin crown forms yet after each sip extremely long clinging legs stretch from the rim of the glass all the way to the auburn colored pool.

FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH SELECT FINISH

Four Roses Small Batch Select offers an extremely long and warming finish. Again, I sense barrel tannins, dark fruits along with the same cinnamon, black pepper, and rye. As the sensations fade, the memory of light vanilla, dark caramel, honey blend into roasted pecans, seasoned oak, toasted wood, apple pipe tobacco, and old, dry leather. And when the last dram is downed, sweet buttery vanilla caramel, and dry seasoned oak waft from the empty Glencairn.

MY RATING: 92/00

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
When found on store shelves at retail, this is a recommended BUY.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 92/100 to access other whiskies given this score.
To see other reviews from this brand, click Four Roses Distillery.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Four Roses Small Batch Select
Four Roses Small Batch Select

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Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon Review:

reviewed 02-September-2023

MICHTER’S TOASTED BARREL BOURBON REVIEW:

Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon (Michter’s TB) offers an inviting taste experience. On the nose, it reveals dry barrel tannins, herbal roasted corn, and dusty grains, along with dark berries and a medley of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. The palate follows with a similarly dry warmth, well-balanced dried fruit, and a pleasing blend of spices, enhanced by hints of burnt caramel and toasted almond toffee. The finish is medium-long and dry, with those same tannins, complex spiciness, and smokiness, while the mouthfeel is viscous and oily. Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon leaves a lasting impression, making it a delightful choice for bourbon enthusiasts.

MICHTER’S TOASTED BARREL BOURBON VITAL STATS:
Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon

Category: Small Batch, Limited
Region: Kentucky
Distillery: Kentuck Bourbon Distillers
Mash Bill: 79% corn, 11% rye, 10% malted barley
Barrel Char: #3 plus Secondary Toasted Barrels
First Barrel: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels Second Barrel: Toasted barrel made from 18-month air-dried wood
Barrel entry proof: 103
Age: nas
ABV: 47.5% (91.4 Proof)
Batch #: 21G2064
NABCA CSC #: 26618
Fair Price: $175.66 (BoozApp, August 2023)
Paid: $69.95 (Illinois, Summer, 2022)

US☆1 TOASTED BARREL FINISH BOURBON

First introduced to great acclaim in the Fall of 2014, Michter’s US1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon is a groundbreaking whiskey expression. It is made by taking Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon and then aging it for an additional period in a second custom made barrel. This second barrel is assembled from 18-month air-dried wood and then toasted but not charred. The truly unique and delicious taste of Michter’s US1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon represents a remarkable achievement given that it is Kentucky Straight Bourbon with nothing extra added or done except placement in a second toasted barrel.

Learn more at Michter’s Bourbon.

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

Alternating pours to equate about four ounces, were made into two Glencairns. I shared one of the glasses with my daughter, and I let the liquid in my glass rest for about 30 minutes before taking the first sip. These pours were made on Day 2 of the 2023 30 Bourbons in 30 Days Challenge.

MICHTER’S TOASTED BARREL BOURBON NOSE:

The first draw of Michter’s TB surprised me. I was unable to find any indication of alcohol which (in my opinion) allows other elements to shine. I sense the dry barrel tannins of aged oak, along with herbal roasted corn and dusty grains. Continued nosing exposes a dark nectar of blueberry, cherries, currants, raisins, and prunes. As I navigate around our Whiskey Traits and Flavor Wheel, it prompts me to sense cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, white pepper, and subtle notes of gingerbread. Additional sweetness comes in as light vanilla, maple sugar and syrup, brown sugar, and toasted almond toffee as dry oak sawdust provides a woody backdrop. With prolonged nosing, charred wood builds to a nice campfire smokiness before this too, fades into a memory of musty wet leather, which adds an intriguing dimension.

MICHTER’S TOASTED BARREL BOURBON PALATE:

Michter’s TB offers a delightful and inviting flavor profile. Upon taking my first sip, the dry warmth of mild alcohol greets me. As on the nose, barrel tannins contribute subtle structure while complementing dusty grain and herbal notes. With sip, the flavors continue to unfold as a medley of dried fruits, including tart Montmorency cherries, currants, and figs provide dark undertones. I also taste a hint of fresh lemon zest which adds brightness, before the spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, and pepper, enhanced by the rye, treats the palate. In the following sips the nearly burnt caramel of dark roasted walnut toffee add balance to heavily seasoned oak as hazy, toasted wood, and its smoky essence, lingers on my tongue. As the flavors fade, the taste of leather peeks in, before it too drifts away in this satisfying bourbon.

Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Michter’s TB is well-balanced as its aroma and flavor elements complement one another to leave a lasting impression on the palate. Its mouthfeel is viscous and oily, and when sips are held, only an ever-so-slight tickle dances on the tongue. As the glass is swirled, a thick inverted crown with many droplets forms, before thin, fast falling, medium-long legs drain the liquid back to the mahogany colored pool.

MICHTER’S TOASTED BARREL BOURBON FINISH

The finish of Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon is medium-long and offers a dry and warming sensation in the throat while tannins from the aging process add a subtle herbal quality to the palate after each swallow. After each new sip, flavors of berry nectar, dark fruits, and figs blend together, accompanied by hints of cloves, ginger, and rye spice, creating a complex spiciness that settles on my palate. Furthermore, the finish evolves with bittersweet chocolate, woody caramel, and dark toffee to provide a satisfyingly sweet contrast. Moreover, a touch of bitter walnut adds depth to the heavy oak which combines char, smokiness, and damp potting soil to leave a lasting impression in the mouth and throat. And finally, when the last dram is downed, the empty Glencairn smells of sweet, sugared cinnamon, dusted over old barrel staves. What a nice bourbon.

MY RATING: 90/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Michter’s puts out GREAT product and I’m always on the lookout for hard-to-find limited releases.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 90/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Michter’s.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon
Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon

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Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon Review:

reviewed 28-December-2021

ELIJAH CRAIG TOASTED BARREL BOURBON REVIEW:

In my opinion, the Elijah Craig line of bourbons from Heaven Hill Distillery is a stalwart representation of the craft. From small batch shelf stock, and bold barrel proofs to Private Barrel Picks and a yet unreviewed 18 Year, their bourbon is no stranger to our home bar. So it was with great anticipation, we popped the cork on our Christmas bottle of Toasted Barrel Bourbon (ECTB). As stated on the label, this is Elijah Craig Small Batch finished in toasted new oak barrels. I am not disappointed and am happy to have another in the bunker.

ELIJAH CRAIG TOASTED BARREL BOURBON VITAL STATS:

Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in toasted oak barrels
Type: Small Batch Toasted Barrel
Region: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Distillery: Heaven Hill Bernheim Distillery
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Barrel Char: #3
Barrel entry proof: 125
Age: nas
Non-chill filtered
ABV: 47% (94 Proof)
NABCA CSC #: 17913
Price $54.95 (2021 in Idaho)

Twice barreled for added complexity, Toasted Barrel takes our award-winning Small Batch Bourbon to new heights. After it’s fully matured, we finish this Bourbon in a second, custom toasted new oak barrel, where it’s left to develop even more sweet oak flavor.

— ElijahCraig.com

Learn more at https://elijahcraig.com/toasted-barrel.

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

For the evaluation, alternating pours to equal four once review amounts went into two Glencairns. My daughter and I enjoyed the bourbon neat for this review.

Check out her review for this bourbon here!

NOSE:

ECTB smells warm and inviting. While sweetness dominates the nose, I do get a trace of roasted corn and drying grain along with faint spices of powdered ginger, white pepper and rye. But sweet vanilla infused toasted graham stands out along with candy notes of Milky Way nougat and vanilla taffy. And there’s more — I also get butterscotch and sweet, buttery brown sugar syrup drizzled over toasted pecans. However the woody aromas are faint, simple and gentle even though ‘Toasted Barrel’ is emblazoned the label.

PALATE:

The first sip of ECTB is warm and easy to hold. I sense an herbalness of roasting corn and a few dark dried figs. Spices of dark cinnamon, cloves, and rye are faint as are sweet notes of bittersweet chocolate, some light vanilla, buttery brown sugar and a hint of honeycomb. But now comes the wood, first in the form of bitter hazelnuts, then with plenty of heavy, old oak and toasted barrel char. There’s also some earthy leather here too.

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
As I hold ECTB on my palate while taking notes, my salivary glands go into overdrive making the liquid buttery and quite viscous. While the aromas are more sweet, the flavors are more woody … but the blended combination works. After each sip, a heavy sheet clings to the inside of the glass before breaking into fat legs transporting the whiskey back to the deep burnt amber colored pool. The only trace left behind by the sip is a ringed crown with just a few drops.

FINISH:

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel has a warm medium-long finish. There is a bit of lingering roasted corn and grain mixed with dark fig, cloves and rye but other than a hint of dark molasses, the sweetness sensed on the nose and palate is all but gone. The finish is heavy old oak and char forward, but in no way harsh as a bit of leather fades away. And when the last dram is gone, dried oak plywood sawdust and buttered popcorn drifts from the empty Glencairn.

MY RATING: 88/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 88/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Elijah Craig.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:

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