FOUR ROSES 125TH ANNIVERSARY BOURBON

There are certain things that signal the start of the fall season. Leaves change color, football season begins, and Four Roses releases a limited edition small batch bourbon. 2013 marked the 125th for the historic distillery, and while they are celebrating year round, the 125th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch might be cream of an already prestigious crop. It’s an enticing blend of three of Four Roses unique bourbon recipes bottled at barrel strength that smells and tastes like a creamy vanilla, brown sugar dessert. The cask strength blend includes 3 of the brand’s own letter coded recipes that include an 18-year-old OBSV with 60% corn, 13-year-old OLESK with 75% corn and 13-year-old OBSK with 60% corn. Nonchill filtered. Only 8,000 bottles produced.

• Huge cherry and cherry liqueur flavors. Vanilla, big caramel, sawdust. Cinnamon, nutmeg, raspberry, peaches, plum, cocoa. Cola. Orange jelly. Apple pie. Mint, some dusty rye. Delicious. Rich, big body, beautiful texture. Barrel proof flavor without a conventional barrel-proof alcohol kick.