Four Roses SB notes

[wadewood]

Last week, Four Roses released their SB version for sell in KY. They make bourbons from 2 mashbills and use 5 different yeast combinations. For the current SB version, they use mashbill #2 (60% corn, 35% rye, 5% Barley) and yeast A. It is barreled for 7 years and enters barrel at 120 proof. I believe it is bottled at 100 proof; my 2 bottles are in hands of UPS right now.

I thought this SB version was fantastic. The rye really stands out. At gazebo, we tasted a previous release of their SB (? bottled over 10 years ago) with the current SB. The current release is much better.

[Gillman]

I have not tasted the original release but this current one is very good, in many ways, it is like a more refined Bulleit. I find it interesting that Four Roses is using such a high (relatively) amount of rye in these bourbons. I think Mr. Rutledge knows, perhaps from archived information, that a good spike of rye is a traditional element of bourbon whiskey. But not just that, he knows know how to "handle" the rye, it shines through with a clear peppermint ring whereas in other bourbons the effect of the rye seems different. Perhaps the yeast, since so much attention is given it at Four Roses, plays a role as well. So does the silky mouthfeel of these whiskeys which must owe a lot to the barrel and the corn. These are stylish whiskeys but still big in flavour. Whiskey doesn't get a whole lot better than this.

Gary

[LeNell]

Ben and I really enjoyed this current bottle. We, of course, don't have it here in NY so we picked up a bottle for our home stash. I found the SB to have a really soft mouthfeel without a lot of heat. It is 100 proof. The bottle is really snazzy with a square shape that sort of tapers up a bit. Ben says he thinks this is a great bottle to get more women into bourbon drinking, and I'm sure Gemini Rose would agree with that one.

We missed out on the breakfast, not wanting to be teased by something we can't really get here, but now we definitely are intrigued by this company to check it out more next time we're down. I spoke to someone from FR who says they do have plans to distribute more widely but I'm sure it won't be soon enough!

[Guest]

Tonya:

You sure got that right! I can not normally drink anything above 100proof (as I am a novice bourbon drinker). Hopefully this new "batch" of 4 Roses makes me want to drink more bourbon with higher counts of alcohol. It's a shame it's not sold here in NY and hopefully in due time it will be. I guess all good things come to those who wait and perhaps you and I can share a drink or 2 someday soon.

[ikewillett1]

Just wondering if you ever received the bottles of Four Roses SB you were expecting. I am very interested in acquiring a bottle. If you don't mind, could you tell me where you got it and how much it runs?

Thanks, Ike

[gr8erdane]

I picked up my bottle in Bardstown during the Bourbon Festival at Toddy's. The price was around $35-40 I think. So many bottles bought that day, not sure I can remember which one cost what. I'd bet that Liquor Barns all carry it though in Louisville and Lexington.

[cowdery]

I paid $31.99 for it at Toddy's in Bardstown. Toddy's is usually a couple dollars higher than Liquor Barn.

[angelshare]

Like Chuck & Dane, we got ours at Toddy's ($31.99 also). They did have it for sale at the distillery itself, but I think it was a few bucks more there.

When we were at the "Richmond" Liquor Barn in Lexington during the festival, the asst. manager didn't know exactly when they would be stocking the Four Roses SB due to some shelf space issues; we didn't see it at the Beaumont Center Parkway store, either. That was a couple of weeks ago, though, so things may have changed.

By the way, the distillery tour was fun, and I'm assuming you can taste it there before you buy(we were able to taste on our tour during the festival).