Maker: Four Roses, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky (Kirin)
Age: NAS
Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
Appearance: Golden straw with nice long legs.
Nose: Dry and subtle for a Four Roses product, but some alcohol and rye spice.
On the palate: Medium bodied and sweet. As it lingers flavors come through. A bit of bitter char, a bit of sweetness. A very delicate whiskey. Closer to the standard Four Roses (“yellow label”) than the single barrel.
Finish: Light and sweet with a bit of burn.
Parting words: Goes down easy. Makes for a dry but good Manhattan. 4RSmB brings out some pleasant bitter flavors that do a good job of balancing the sweetness of the vermouth. Small batch does a better job of this than its little brother Four Roses does. Small Batch’s higher proof is better able to stand up to a gutsy red vermouth like Cinzano.
Sipology 