Four Roses Mariage Collection

[Rughi]

Yep, Randy,

You don't win Bourbon Taster of the Year if you don't know what you're tasting.

[cowdery]

I agree with Randy's assessment. (Prepare to be agreed with a lot, Champ.) I don't dislike it by any means, but it's a little out of character for Four Roses. Of course, that is to some extent the point, to offer something different, and I give Four Roses a lot of credit because when they do these things, they go for something different.

The sample I have is not a production run bottle. It is 111.4 proof and not chill filtered. Is the production run product also not chill filtered?

[Gillman]

I find it quite nuanced, but that's just me. I've only had it twice though, and shucks, I'll just have to have it again.

Gary

[Gillman]

I tried it again, and I can see Randy what you mean. I still like it a lot, but its flavours are very "forward" and I don't see the malty depth in it I first did. Perhaps a relativity factor is at work here, but I must say what I just did.

Gary

[jburlowski]

I agree with Randy's assessment. (Prepare to be agreed with a lot, Champ.) I don't dislike it by any means, but it's a little out of character for Four Roses. Of course, that is to some extent the point, to offer something different, and I give Four Roses a lot of credit because when they do these things, they go for something different.

The sample I have is not a production run bottle. It is 111.4 proof and not chill filtered. Is the production run product also not chill filtered?

[Gillman]

Mine is the same. I tried adding water but the basic profile remained as I (finally) believe it to be. It is still an excellent whiskey and I think its best treatment is on the rocks perhaps with a splash soda.

After, I combined a Party Source-selection Four Roses Single Barrel with the Mariage, about 3:1, adding a light dash of spring water. Just to get a different take on combining some of the 10 base bourbons used at Four Roses. The result is a nice flowery malty shot of whiskey.

Gary

[wadewood]

"we used two different mashbills and two yeasts. We used 70% OBSV - “B†is our highest rye content mashbill - @ 35%, and “V†is the yeast that generates a light and delicate fruity flavor. (This is the recipe we use for our regular Single Barrel Bourbon, but it has been aged considerably longer - 13 years.) The other recipe used at 30% was OESK - “E†is our mashbill that consists of 20% rye and “K†is the yeast that generates a bit of spicy character"

This is a quote from Jim Rutledge posted on John Hansell's blog.

[eprater]

I am a huge Four Roses fan, but was quite disappointed by Mariage.

Not only is Mariage not to my taste, but I think it's just not a particularly nuanced or good bourbon overall. (I purchased a bottle at the distillery during the Festival a couple of weeks back - $79 - ouch!).

And despite Jim Rutledge's own tasting notes' mentioning softness and nuance, I find Mariage especially hot and aggressive. Not just alcohol heat, but an edgy flavor and texture much different from the usual Four Roses profile. The taste is unidimensional and unfinished.

I'm all for Four Roses breaking from its usual mold, and I even like an in-your-face bourbon every so often. But I would not have been surprised if someone had told me in a blind tasting that this was a young, bottom shelf mixing bourbon. I just didn't sense the care in its production typical of other Four Roses products. And *definitely* don't think it's worth the cash, whatever your preference in taste profile.

[Gillman]

I wonder if bottles might be from different batches. My first taste, in Kentucky from an "early" bottle, was like the Rutledge notes - or so I thought at the time. My later tastes, from a bottle I bought on the recent KBF, was more like Randy's and this latest review (although I wouldn't go as far as this latter).

I find a mingling of Mariage (my bottle of course) and regular Four Roses SB produces the description on the hang tag, so I'm satisfied.

Gary

[ACDetroit]

The result is a nice flowery malty shot of whiskey.

Gary

Gary, I was gifted one of these from a member on the board and good friend of mine Hogben (he was with us at the sampler).

I have to agree this whiskey is totally off from the Four Roses profile and I would also like to agree with the fact I get the taste of rose petals in the front and a little in the finish. I like it but I do like the standard Single Barrel better.

Just my opinion.

Tony

[Gillman]

Well, this seems the consensus, and I largely agree Tony, based on my current bottle.

Gary

[OscarV]

to agree with the fact I get the taste of rose petals in the front and a little in the finish.

[QUOTE][/QUOTE]

Hmm,...maybe Kirin is trying to break into the India whiskey market.

They like rosewater in a lot of things.:grin:

[pepcycle]

Four Roses Dilemna.

Rye and high rye whiskey is getting more popular.

Premium whiskey's are getting more popular

Four Roses has a distinct flavor profile. (most notably, lack of wood-char character)

How do you get into the high rye market, stay premium and still maintain the family resemblance??

Mariage is the answer

[OscarV]

Four Roses Dilemna.

Rye and high rye whiskey is getting more popular.

Premium whiskey's are getting more popular

Four Roses has a distinct flavor profile. (most notably, lack of wood-char character)

How do you get into the high rye market, stay premium and still maintain the family resemblance??

Mariage is the answer

To early to say what Mariage is, every year it is going to be different.

Funny but I have never thought about the lack of wood-char in FR before but you are right.

[ACDetroit]

To early to say what Mariage is, every year it is going to be different.

:slappin::slappin::slappin:

I checked with Michelle and she said if even one year was with a different it was over! Not sure what laws or State you were lookin at Oscar but I've yet to find the one that believes every year can be different!

Oh yeah this is my 900th post, I better slow down or I'll be due for a change myself.

Tony

[OscarV]

:slappin::slappin::slappin:

I checked with Michelle and she said if even one year was with a different it was over! Not sure what laws or State you were lookin at Oscar but I've yet to find the one that believes every year can be different!

You know I once heard someone say a mariage licence should have to be renewed every 4 years like a drivers licence.

Can you imagine the difference in a spouse a few months before renewal date?

Man I'd need some extra B-12 shots.

[spun_cookie]

I still think they need a Mariage 7 yr version called "itch"...

[barturtle]

You know I once heard someone say a mariage licence should have to be renewed every 4 years like a drivers licence.

Can you imagine the difference in a spouse a few months before renewal date?

Man I'd need some extra B-12 shots.

In Arizona it's every 12 years...I don't think most marriages even last that long anymore.

[luv2hunt]

In Arizona it's every 12 years...I don't think most marriages even last that long anymore.

Well, mine's going on 24 years :grin:

When things get rough....you just drink more bourbon :slappin:

Dawn

[BengalMan]

I picked up two of these for my collection. Going to open one up this weekend, looking forward to them!

[BourbonJoe]

Well, mine's going on 24 years :grin:

Dawn

Ah, a newly wed. Double that for me. Big 50 coming up.

Joe :usflag:

[smokinjoe]

Ah, a newly wed. Double that for me. Big 50 coming up.

Joe :usflag:

Are you kidding me, Joe? 50 years? God bless you, and Mrs. Bourbonjoe. You make sure you let us know when the big day gets here. Truly amazing...

:toast: