87 / 100
Four Roses has a pleasing sweet-and-spicy contrast: caramel, vanilla and brown sugar meet peppery spices, cinnamon and oak. Apple, citrus and berry notes add a fruity counterpoint, so the sweetness isn’t the only thing going on. I’m drawn to that balance more than any single dominant note, and the recurring spice and oak in the finish make the flavour progression feel coherent. It sounds like a characterful Bourbon without leaning on sweetness alone.
Reviewed by teacup kettle
- Nose
- Apple, orange peel, honey and vanilla, Cinnamon, cocoa and oak
- Palate
- Tart citrus, sweet molasses and peppery spices, Apricot, pear and red berries
- Finish
- Rye spice, light oak and refreshing fruit, Peppercorn spiciness with a creamy vanilla note