Rank the Mariage/SmB LE

[Old Dusty]

I posted this query in the sticky above w the ten recipes and decided I shouldn't hijack that thread. So.......anyone who has sampled them all care to rank these? Looking to acquire more but at that price want to make an informed purchase. Own the '09 and really like it. A lot. Thanks in advance for your input.

OD

[c2walker]

The 2009 Mariage is special to me. It was one of the first bourbons that I had that really blew me away and it's also the bourbon I chose to have at my wedding. Consequently, I might be a bit biased.

A couple SBers and I had a Four Roses tasting about 6 months ago. 2009 Mariage, 2010 LE SmB, and 2012 LE SmB were among the entrants. If I remember correctly, everyone ranked them in the same order: 2009, 2012, 2010.

I can't give you tasting notes cause this was a while ago, but I do remember thinking that the 2010 was hot and astringent...at least in comparison to the other bottles on the table.

Adding the 2008 Mariage and 2011 LE SmB to the mix (each of which I have only tried once), my ranking would be:

2009, 2012, 2008, 2011, 2010

[MyOldKyDram]

Tough call. Just throwing it out there, 08/09, 12, 11, 10.

But they're all good, and I would be happy to own more of any.

[squire]

I will cheerfully accept any which one is poured.

[smknjoe]

I can only rank the 2 that I have.

2012 slightly better than the 2011. They are both great and are both worth buying. The 2012 is more balanced the 2011 is slightly more "unique" in that I get more of the wood coming through.

[WAINWRIGHT]

I would have to omit the '08 for never owning a bottle or trying it for that matter,but '09 Mariage,'12 SmB,'10 and '11 coming a in a distant 4th.The '09 Mariage and the '12 SmB just have a certain complexity that puts them at the head of the pack,the '09 is just ever so elegant and graceful so I can see why it has always been held in such high regards.

[AaronWF]

2008, 2012, 2011, 2010. I can't rank the 2009 because I've only had a pour or two. Unlike others, I loved the 2011 and regret not having a few more in the bunker. The 2010 stands alone for me in this group for being disappointing.

[Wryguy]

I think it is hilarious that I can only rank 2008/2009, as I've only ever seen and tasted these two, the others just didn't seem to make much of an appearance around these parts. I think both are great, with a slight edge to the 09 for its complexity. Just polished off an 08 two nights ago and it will be mourned. Does anyone else feel like 4Roses consistently brings the best nose in the game? And on a more plaintive note, anyone want to help me find the 2012? I promise to be appropriately appreciative.