Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition Bourbon Review (2022)

By Richard Thomas

Rating: A-

The bourbon hunt springs off the starting blocks on Monday, and it’s first major (and arguably most interesting) quarry is Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition. This year’s installment is drawn mostly from 14 year old OESV and OESF, and 15 year old OESK. These three are from the 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley mash bill, each made with a different yeast. The fourth constituent is a 20 year old OBSV, that made with the high, 35% rye mash bill that Four Roses is best known for. The bourbon was bottled at 109 proof, and released in a 14,100-bottle run.

The Bourbon
The color in the glass is a dark, nut brown amber, but the nose is more red fruity than brown woody. The scent leads with cherries and raspberries, trailing strong notes of candy corn, maple and oak. Sipping brings these elements into better balance, as the oak, with its spicy kick, comes up holding hands with the red berry fruitiness. The sugary and vanilla aspect are now playing a firmly supporting role. The finish goes oaky, being a bit tannic and a bit spicy. I imagine it will come across as a bit too bitter for some, but I enjoyed it immensely.

The Price
Officially, this bottle fetches $179.99, holding at the point set last yet. It’s steep, but still better than what the market value will be. Last year’s batch is commanding triple that.