Sipp’n Corn Tasting Notes: 2020 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch

It’s time again for the September Limited Editions!  The Limited Edition that I look forward to most of all is the annual Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch.  Because of the unique ten recipes at Four Roses, no other distillery can match the components available to Four Roses.

This year, Master Distiller Brent Elliott used the following recipes and ages:
OESV – 12 years
OBSV – 12 years
OESK – 16 years
OBSK – 19 years

This is like a dream come true for me because “V” and “K” have been my favorite yeast strains for Four Roses Private Single Barrels.  My first distinct memory of the “K” yeast was in 2013 when OBSK was featured as the 125^th Anniversary Limited Edition Single Barrel, and a majority of the barrels that I’ve helped to select since then have used these yeasts.  And as always, this Four Roses Limited Edition is non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel proof, which this time is 111.4.

Four Roses Limited Edition Tasting Notes

Bourbon:        2020 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery:       Four Roses, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky (and aged in Cox’s Creek)
Age:                12-19 years (% not disclosed)
ABV:              55.7% (111.4 proof)
Cost:               $150.00
Bottles:           14,040 for U.S. distribution only

Appearance:
Golden amber brown.

Nose:
Light fruit, caramel apple pie, vanilla, rye spice, and light leather.  There’s no indication of the high proof.

Taste:
The light fruit shifts to deeper dark red berries balanced with bold rye spice and oak.  This really showcases why high rye grain is so important to the balance of bourbon

Finish:
The finish is forever.  Long and lingering with a rye spice backbone and light fruit on the edges.

Bottom Line

The Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch is another home run.  Four Roses has continually set the bar extremely high for itself and Brent and his team delivered again this year.  That’s a remarkable feat!

Disclaimer: The brand managers kindly
sent me a sample for this review,
without any strings attached.
Thank you.