Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon

Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky produces this bourbon, the first permanent release master distiller Brent Elliott added to the range. It brings together six of the ten house recipes, drawn from two mash bills and a mix of proprietary yeast strains. That gives more depth and a broader spread of flavour than the standard Small Batch.

Unlike the rest of the core range, this one is non-chill filtered, so more of the natural oils and texture stay in the glass. Barrels are aged a minimum of six years and bottled at a punchy 52% ABV. It leans into the fruitier, richer side of the distillery house style.

• It has a nose of banana bread, redcurrant, raspberry and peppery oak.
• The palate brings more raspberry, with apricot, orange, creamy vanilla and clove.
• The finish returns to woody spice, with toasted sugar lingering.

Serve neat or with a few drops of water, which tames the higher strength nicely. Pair with roast duck, barbecue brisket or a dark chocolate and orange tart.