Fair warning folks, this is my first ever official bourbon review. Or should I say, my first ever bourbon review put down on paper. Because you know darn well that I’ve tasted my fair share of bourbons and haven’t been shy is sharing my opinion verbally. So let’s just call this the first “official” review so we can get on with things.
As I write this review, I’m not entirely sure that the world really needs another person cranking out bourbon reviews. After all, there are plenty of great websites with detailed and methodical reviews telling you more than you’ve ever wanted to know about a specific bourbon. And besides, I don’t have the patience to be detailed and methodical.
So why the hell am I writing a bourbon review?
I’m writing a review so others like me can have a source of gut inspired, full glass sipping opinion when looking for something new try or wanting to trade opinions on their latest acquisition. (I would be remiss if I also didn’t include people looking to announce that a bourbon has made their “never to drink again” list.)
It’s time that reviews were simplified and made accessible to the bourbon loving masses in order to help make a decision on what to drink next.
I’ll start by providing information that I find of value as a bourbon drinker but I welcome additional input on things to include in my reviews. Who knows, maybe your ideas will included on future reviews.
Whether you like or hate my review let me know in the comments. (However, please don’t take up space with comments telling me that I’m doing it wrong by not using “reviewese”.)
Enough banter. Here we go…
| Bourbon Name: | Four Roses Limited Edition 2011 Small Batch |
| Year: | 2011 Release |
| How I Drank It: | Neat, in my special bourbon glass (please don’t be jealous) |
| My Nose Noticed:* | Cherry Syrup | Spice | Cinnamon | Juice from a chocolate covered cherry |
| First Sip: | Fiery | Sweet | Leathery |
| The Burn**: | Burns down the throat but doesn’t last very long. |
| Neat vs Rocks: | I prefer this one on the rocks due to it’s sweetness. If paired with dessert, or as dessert itself, I would drink it neat instead. |
| Share With: | Work colleagues or date that appreciates their alcohol being sweet. |
| Worth The Price: | I really like Four Roses but I think the price of $90 for this bottle is a bit steep. |
| Bottle, Bar or Bust: | Start with a glass at your favorite bourbon establishment. If it meets with your approval it’s a decent addition to a well rounded home collection. |
*I like to let my bourbon sit in the glass for at least 5 minutes before I start to smell it or have a drink. I personally find that it’s better to let some of the alcohol waft off before diving in. If I’m drinking bourbon on the rocks I skip the waiting and dive in both feet first.
**Some of you refer to this as the “finish” but let’s be honest. Don’t we all just want to know if it burns good?
Patrick Garrett, "Pops" as he's known to his friends, is the founder of Bourbon & Banter, LLC and claims the title of Chief Drinking Officer (CDO). A long-time marketing professional and photographer, Pops hopes to use his professional experience and love of Bourbon to spread the Bourbon Gospel and help everyone realize the therapeutic power of having a good drink with friends. Read Patrick's full profile.
About the Author
great review, i have tried this bourbon myself.
I like the layout of the review, easy to read and understand, to the point. I am not a fan of 4R so I have no real opinion of the review itself. My one complaint is the jump from neat to rocks. Many bourbon drinkers, myself included, enjoy bourbon neat or with a splash – “bourbon and branch”. I’d like to see neat vs splash of water comparison prior to the rocks description.
Todd,
Thanks for your input. Good idea regarding the addition of a splash of water.
Cheers,
Pops
Great review. Don’t care much for “reviewese”; give me the nuts and bolts and you did that. Looking forward to more!!
Just a fun little tidbit…Not sure where I read this, but the bottle’s shape is intentionally supposed to look like the silhouette of an unopened rose when turned upside down.
Love the new direction, especially now that I can’t sit in your old office and actually try all of these. Still haven’t got a Chicago chapter up and running.
Your review has convinced me to pass on this particular bottle, which is the value of reading a review in the first place.
Thanks
Loved your review. Sure hope this becomes available to us in Ohio.