The simple fact that the first one is from 2021, while I could have sworn it was just a little while ago I bought it, makes me feel so very old. I feel it in my bones.

Every year Four Roses releases this Limited Edition. It comes in at little over € 200, and all the editions I’ve had over the years (these aren’t the first, 2012 here and 2020 here) have been worth it. So, even though I didn’t manage to get a bottle-share going properly, fellow Bourbon fanatic MvZ wanted to do a 50/50 split so things got going anyway!

Four Roses Limited Edition – Small Batch, 12yo, 2021 Release, 57.1%

Sniff:
A rather smooth and gentle nose. Some bite, but not as much as I expected. It’s quite autumnal with some almonds and a lot of dry leaves. Slightly cigar like with some wood smoke too. Dry grains, quite some oak.

Sip:
The palate is rather crisp, for an aged bourbon. There’s a lot of wood and some almond like bitterness. Dry, with grains, almonds, hazelnuts, some cherry stones too. A whiff of black pepper.

Swallow:
The finish packs a bit of a punch initially with some wood and pepper. A rather long lasting bunch of flavors too, nice and warming.

This is a very good bourbon. Even though it’s 12 years old, there’s not too much bitterness although there is some. The fact that this is on the higher end of the ABVs of these releases is noticeable and it’s slightly more hot, and ever so slightly less comfortable than the others.

Still, if this would come in at € 200 right now, I wouldn’t mind getting another bottle. Unfortunately, prices have gone up and prices start (at the time of writing) at € 300.

88/100

Four Roses Limited Edition – Small Batch, 12yo, 2024 Release, 54.1%

Sniff:
A warming and very comforting dram. More wintry than it is autumnal. Still some leaves, but also old oak, mulch and some resin. An interesting combination of peanut butter and cherries.

Sip:
Another smooth and warming arrival. Some oak, some vanilla, some cherry pie. There is black pepper being quite punchy if you let it swim for a while. A nice combination of spices and stewed fruits.

Swallow:
The finish is slightly hot with more focus on the pepper than on the fruit. There still is some sweetness, some cherry, but also a hint of nuts that wasn’t there before.

I’m having a hard time describing why this one is better than the 2021, but it’s just up to the level of soothingness, if that is a word. This is a comforting dram, where this other one is slightly less so. Highly recommended to keep on your radar for when the 2025 one comes out.

This one currently sits at € 230, so get it if you like really good bourbons!

90/100