I was able to get my hands on a Four Roses 2022 Limited Edition. The last Limited Edition bottle I was able to get was in 2019, so I have had a bit of a dry spell in getting these. These tend to be quite special and I have enjoyed these in the past. This one in particular has bourbons that are 14 to 20 years old in the mix. Specifically, this has 20 year-old Bourbon from the OBSV (delicate fruit and rye) recipe, a 15 year-old OESK (baking spice), a 14 year-old OESF (herbs and mint), and a 14 year-old OESV (delicate fruit and caramel). I note that this combination of V, F, and K yeasts is also the makeup of Small Batch Select. I think this combination is a go to at Four Roses. As a reminder, an explanation of their various recipes is here.

The MSRP on this bourbon is $180, which is a little more expensive than prior limited editions. I got to sample it before I bought it and, after tasting it, I definitely wanted it for my bar. This bourbon is 109 proof, which would be close to cask strength for Four Roses.

Color is a beautiful amber with some mahogany; which would be right given that Four Roses uses single story warehouses and their bourbon does not really get exposed to scorching heat which would darken the color. On the swirl is a really thick film and legs; this is really oily. On the nose, there are wonderful berry fruits – raspberries, strawberries, some light vanilla notes, a touch of caramel, and some oak tannin. On the palate, the vanilla gets a little more assertive, and the raspberries dominate the strawberries, with hints of baking spices and clove throughout. This is a really delicious bourbon that highlights how great Four Roses can be. Really nice mouthfeel. On the finish, the baking spices and cloves mingle with oak tannin, and this finish is where this whiskey shows its age.

I am really impressed with the oakiness of this particular release of Four Roses. The flavor profile is really assertive, which I like and kind of expect in a limited edition release. This is definitely a bottle I will have to tell myself, no, this night really isn’t special enough for this whiskey.