Pappy Van Winkle’s impossible-to-find wheated bourbon has become such a hype monster that other wheated bourbons from Buffalo Trace’s portfolio have seen their own popularity skyrocket due to their proximity. The distillation process for the Small Batch Select is performed in a 20ft tall Vendome column still. Don't tell your bourbon-drinking friends, but Russell's spicy-caramel-and-vanilla-tasting Reserve 10-year-old bourbon is one of the best values in the bourbon world.

When it comes to the finest whiskies, Four Roses is something that springs to mind for many aficionados. Herbs like mint and oregano provide another dimension of flavors while black tea, licorice, cardamom and nutmeg provide an interesting kick. It all gets slightly brighter with some citrus zest which also makes it a touch bitter, but not offensively so.It’s these yeasts that give each ferment their individual flavours which Four Roses proudly use in their 10 bourbon recipes. No one cared about Early Times until Sazerac (Buffalo Trace Distillery) bought it from Brown-Forman (Jack Daniel's, Old Forester, Woodford Reserve). From a observational standpoint, Four Roses Single Barrel and Four Roses Single Barrel Private Selection bottles look almost the same. As an FYI, I bought and use these Glencairn glasses for my reviews and comparisons (because they’re the best): Glencairn Crystal Whiskey Glass, Set of 6, Clear, 6 Pack. It's a cask-strength blend created by the blending masters at Barrell Craft Spirits and it is a doozy.

Just a hint of salinity creeps kisses the caramel and butterscotch loaded vanilla ice cream in my hand.

So that means that every standard Single Barrel that they sell should be in the neighborhood of 7 years old. The result is an 8-degree Fahrenheit average variation, compared to the 35-degree swing common in traditional, multi-story warehouses. My last sip is almost perfumed with lovely sweet floral tones zigging and zagging all over the mouth.

As you take the first sip, it coats your palate like velvet – succulent notes of sweet vanilla and delicate touches of spice blanketed in an oaky finish that’s long-lasting and smooth on release. The Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon is an ideal selection for whiskey lovers who desire a velvety, full-flavoured spirit. Single Barrel: A bourbon made using single barrels, providing a higher range of variation in flavor and the chance at specific, unique characteristics. This is the kind of bourbon to have an experience with and/or just sit with in some peace and quiet.This makes a wonderful sipper or gift to a friend, and since Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, you'd best believe this makes an excellent base for a mint julep with its myriad notes of fruit and spice. We combined our widely praised Neat Glass with one of our 3oz Flight Bottles and housed them together in a custom EVA travel case. When I aggravate the whiskey with a Kentucky chew, raisins come through with some bitter hazelnuts, and still a very mild alcohol punch. Floral flavors create a general base, while apricot and peach pull through against a faint oaky caramel note. Four Roses Single Barrel kicks it off with musty and oaky caramel with vanilla, citrus, apple, and minty wintergreen.