Four Roses 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch Review – 130th Anniversary

Here we go again. Another year, another 4rSmBLE and like all the others, it’s good. I’m spoiling the review below because I don’t think any of you had any doubt that the Four Roses 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch Review – 130th Anniversary was going to be anything less than awesome. I didn’t and I wasn’t disappointed and when tasted next to other excellent, cask strength, bourbons it held its own and showed exceptionally well.

This year’s release is a mix of OBSF (13 Years), OBSV (10 years), OESV (14 years) and OESK (16 years). Other than reminding you that it’s made by Four Roses and that it’s the 2018 Limited Edition / 130th Anniversary Edition there isn’t much else to say… so let’s get on with the review!

Four Roses 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch Review: Details and Tasting Notes

In Four Roses’ Words: Four Roses 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch – 130th Anniversary

“Bottled at barrel strength, the remarkably balanced 130th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch introduces warm aromas of rich vanilla and crème brûlée, mingled with ripe berries. Bright apricot flavors greet the palate, then give way to hints of mint, cinnamon, apple and mellow oak. The finish is very long, with notes of more fruit, vanilla and cinnamon.”

Four Roses 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch – 130th Anniversary price, ABV, age and other details

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Four Roses
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley (OBSF & OBSV) & 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley (OESV & OESK)
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 10 Years
ABV: 54.2%

Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Batch: 2018 / 130th Anniversary

Price: $100*

Four Roses 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch – 130th Anniversary Tasting Notes

EYE
Caramel

NOSE
Caramel, hazelnuts, oak, spice, birthday cake, dark fruit and bits of citrus, pickles and cream soda.

PALATE
Caramel, cocoa, nuts, baking spice, dried dark fruit, vanilla frosting, cream soda, leather and a bit of an oily herbal character.

FINISH
Long -> Oak, caramel, spice, cocoa dark fruit and nuts.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, full round body and an oily feel that fades dry.

Four Roses 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch Review – 130th Anniversary: OVERALL

As suspected, the Four Roses 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch is good. The aroma is heavy and deep with a solid oak profile balanced by a darkly sweet and robust spice presence. The Palate is just as heavy with oak and dark sweets but has an even greater spice character which carries through the finish. That spice though, it’s not done there.

As it sits and opens the spice opens and then further blooms with water and once the whiskey is gone it’s the spice that haunts the glass. The 125th Anniversary (Four Roses 2013 Limited Edition Small Batch) still dominates for me, but this a worthy whiskey creation for Four Roses 130th Anniversary. It’s a great spicy oaky bourbon with a balanced sweetness that I want to keep revisiting over and over and over… until my 200ml is gone.

SCORE: 91/100 (A-)

*Disclosure: This Four Roses 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch – 130th Anniversary sample was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.