The latest release in a series of limited edition bottlings is timed to coincide with the recent retirement of master distiller Jim Rutledge and the appointment of Brent Elliot in his place.
The 2015 Limited Edition Small Batch is a blend of a 16-year-old Bourbon from Four Roses’ OBSK recipe (a mashbill of 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley), a 15-year-old OESK recipe, a 14-year-old OESK and an 11-year-old OBSV recipe (all of which are made up of 70% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malt).
The wider Four Roses portfolio is comprised of ten individual Bourbon recipes made from two mash bills with five different yeast strains.
Rutledge said of the limited edition: “This combination of mature bourbons is something truly special. It’s great when you can go out on a high note, and this Bourbon delivers that.”
The aroma of the expression is noted as “ripe cherry, caramel custard and fresh magnolia”, while the flavour profile is described as “spicy cinnamon and clove flavours”, which give way to “subtle tastes of orange peel, apricot and light honey”. The finish is “long and velvety” and leaves “lingering hints of creamy vanilla and fresh spearmint”.
Elliott said: “This Bourbon is a great tribute to Jim Rutledge, whom I’ve had the privilege to work with closely over the past decade. His knowledge and passion, along with the strong team at our distillery, are responsible for the high-quality Bourbon we produce every day. I couldn’t think of a better way to toast Jim’s exceptional career.”
It will be bottled at barrel strength with an abv of 54.25%. Due to small production numbers, the 2015 Limited Edition Small Batch will be allocated.
