Four Roses Bourbon: Anniversary Single-Barrel and Barrel-Strength

Four Roses 2010 single barrel, barrel-strength limited edition Bourbon has been out a few months, but it was only recently that I caught up with it for a sample. I wish I had come on it sooner.

Four Roses newest was aged 17 years, an uncommonly long time for Bourbon. The occasion for the release is the 100-year anniversary of the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Bourbon aged that long can turn out mighty woody. But these folks didn't let that happen. The notes are warm caramel, spiced oranges and cloves. The smooth mouth feel belies the high-proof content. But then the liquid gold seems to run down to your ankles, and warms you from within.

There are about 2,300 bottles of the 100th Anniversary Limited Edition to go around, retailing at between $75 and $100 a bottle. I'd recommend this to any whiskey cellar. And think about buying two--one to drink and one to shelf.