Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon: A Rich, Non-Chill Filtered Masterpiece

Welcome to the next level of the Four Roses experience. If you’ve enjoyed the standard Small Batch and are ready for something with more depth and power, you’ve found the right bottle. Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon is not just another expression; it’s a deliberate step up in complexity, richness, and craftsmanship that showcases the full potential of the Four Roses recipe library.

Perhaps you’re a bourbon enthusiast looking to explore a more robust pour, a curious shopper wondering if the “Select” is worth the upgrade, or someone seeking a premium gift. You’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide is designed to demystify the Four Roses Bourbon Small Batch Select. We’ll dive deep into what makes it unique, from its higher proof and non-chill filtration to its intricate six-recipe blend, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your collection.

What is Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon? The “Select” Difference

To understand the Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon, you first need to grasp the foundation of Four Roses. The distillery is unique in the industry for using two different mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains to create ten distinct bourbon recipes. This gives their Master Distiller, Brent Elliott, a vast and diverse palette of flavors to work with.

So, what makes the “Select” special?

• The Blend: While the standard Small Batch uses a blend of four recipes, the Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon is a more complex marriage of six of the ten recipes. This allows for a greater depth and a wider spectrum of flavors.

• The Proof: It is bottled at a stronger 104 proof (52% ABV), compared to the standard Small Batch’s 90 proof. This higher proof carries more flavor and provides a richer mouthfeel.

• The Filtration: This is a crucial differentiator. The Four Roses Bourbon Small Batch Select is non-chill filtered. Most whiskeys are chill-filtered to remove fatty acids and esters that can make the spirit look hazy when ice or cold water is added. However, this process also strips out some of the compounds that contribute to mouthfeel and flavor. By skipping this step, Four Roses retains a richer, oilier texture and a more complete flavor profile.

In short, the “Select” is a bolder, more complex, and more authentic representation of the distillery’s art.

The Tasting Experience: What Does Four Roses Small Batch Select Taste Like?

The flavor profile of Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon is a significant step up in intensity and complexity from its little brother. The higher proof and lack of chill filtration allow the full character of the six recipes to shine through.

Here’s a guide to the rich tasting journey you can expect:

• On the Nose (Aroma): The aroma is immediately deeper and more robust. The signature Four Roses floral note is still present but is joined by richer scents of dark cherry, baked apple, and plum. There are prominent notes of dark caramel, vanilla, and a distinct spiciness reminiscent of cinnamon and dark chocolate.

• On the Palate (Taste): The first sip has a wonderfully rich and creamy mouthfeel, thanks to the non-chill filtration. The initial wave is a delicious blend of ripe stone fruits and berries. This is quickly followed by a cascade of flavors: rich caramel, honey, and vanilla are balanced against a robust, peppery rye spice and dark cocoa. The 104-proof strength provides a warm, confident presence that is powerful but not harsh.

• The Finish: The finish is long, warm, and deeply satisfying. It lingers with notes of baking spices, oak, and a pleasant, peppery tingle that slowly fades, leaving behind a memory of dried fruit and toffee. It’s a finish that encourages contemplation.

How to Enjoy Your Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon

A bourbon of this caliber deserves to be enjoyed in a way that honors its complexity.

• Sipping Neat: This is the absolute best way to experience the Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon. Pour it into a Glencairn glass and let it sit for a few minutes. Sip it slowly to unpack its many layers. The higher proof stands up well to this purist approach.

• With a Splash of Water: Don’t be afraid to add a few drops of distilled or still water. This can tame the alcohol heat slightly and burst open even more aromatic compounds, revealing hidden fruity and floral notes.

• On the Rocks: If you prefer it chilled, use a single large ice cube. The slow melting will gradually dilute the bourbon, taking you on a flavor journey from robust to soft as you drink.

• In a Premium Cocktail: While it’s a superb sipper, its complexity can elevate a simple cocktail. It makes an incredible Boulevardier or a top-shelf Old Fashioned, where its spice and fruit notes can truly enhance the drink.

Understanding Price, Value, and Availability

The Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon sits in the mid-range premium category. You can typically find a 750ml bottle for between $55 and $65 USD.

This represents excellent value for what you’re getting: a non-chill filtered, 104-proof, carefully crafted blend of six recipes. It is more widely available than limited editions but may not be on every shelf like the standard Small Batch. It’s worth checking reputable online e-commerce platforms or well-stocked local stores.

Why is This Whiskey So Highly Regarded?

The Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon has quickly become a favorite for several compelling reasons:

1. Non-Chill Filtered Integrity: This commitment to a full-flavor experience resonates with enthusiasts who value a more natural product.

2. Perfect Proof Point: At 104 proof, it has the power to be complex and engaging for experienced palates, but remains approachable for those new to higher-proof spirits.

3. Complexity from Six Recipes: The blend is intentionally more intricate, offering a rewarding tasting journey.

4. A Clear Step Up: It perfectly bridges the gap between the friendly standard Small Batch and the hard-to-find, expensive Limited Edition releases.

5. Award-Winning: It has garnered high scores and medals from major spirit competitions, validating its quality.

How Does It Compare to Other Four Roses Bourbons?

This is a common and important question for shoppers.

• vs. Four Roses Small Batch: The standard Small Batch (90 proof) is your smooth, fruity, and floral introduction. The Four Roses Small Batch Select is its bigger, bolder, and more complex sibling—richer, spicier, and with a much longer finish.

• vs. Four Roses Single Barrel: The Single Barrel (100 proof) offers a unique, unblended look at one specific recipe (usually the OBSV recipe). It can be fantastic but varies from bottle to bottle. The Select is a consistent, masterful blend chosen for balance and complexity.

• vs. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch: The Limited Edition is the annual pinnacle, often using much older and rarer stocks. It’s a collector’s item with a high price and limited availability. The Select is a permanent, accessible expression that delivers a premium experience every day.

For an authoritative deep dive into the recipes and process, you can visit the official Four Roses Distillery Website. This link to the source enhances the article’s E-E-A-T.

The Perfect Occasion for Four Roses Small Batch Select

This bourbon is perfectly suited for:

• A Connoisseur’s Evening: When you want to sit down and truly engage with a complex spirit.

• A Special Gift: For the bourbon lover who seems to have everything, this “step-up” bottle is a thoughtful and impressive choice.

• Celebrating a Milestone: Its premium nature makes it perfect for toasting an achievement.

• Expanding Your Palate: If you’re looking to move into more robust, high-proof bourbons, this is an ideal bridge.

Conclusion: The Accessible Pinnacle of the Core Lineup

Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon is more than just a bottle; it’s a statement of intent from Four Roses. It proves that a distillery can create a permanent, widely available expression that doesn’t compromise on proof, filtration, or complexity. It takes the beloved floral and fruity DNA of the brand and presents it with more confidence, richness, and depth.

While it commands a slightly higher price than the standard Small Batch, the upgrade in experience is undeniable and well worth it for those seeking a more profound and satisfying sip. For the enthusiast ready to explore the richer, bolder side of Four Roses, the Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon is an essential and rewarding pour.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the proof of Four Roses Small Batch Select?
A: Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon is bottled at 104 proof (52% alcohol by volume). This higher proof, compared to the standard Small Batch’s 90 proof, provides a richer mouthfeel and carries more intense flavors.

Q2: What does “non-chill filtered” mean and why does it matter?
A: Non-chill filtered means the bourbon was not cooled and filtered to remove certain oils and fatty acids. This process is used in most mass-market whiskeys to prevent cloudiness when ice is added, but it can also strip flavor and texture. By being non-chill filtered, Four Roses Bourbon Small Batch Select retains a richer, creamier mouthfeel and a more complete, robust flavor profile.

Q3: How is it different from the standard Four Roses Small Batch?
A: There are three key differences: 1) Proof: Select is 104 proof vs. 90 proof. 2) Filtration: Select is non-chill filtered, while the standard is chill-filtered. 3) Blend: Select is a blend of six bourbon recipes, while the standard is a blend of four. This makes the Select noticeably richer, spicier, and more complex.

Q4: Is Four Roses Small Batch Select a limited release?
A: No, and that’s its beauty. Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon is a permanent, year-round addition to the Four Roses core lineup. You don’t have to hunt for it like a Limited Edition, making it a reliable premium option.

Q5: Is it worth the higher price over the standard Small Batch?
A: For enthusiasts and those looking for a more robust tasting experience, absolutely. The higher proof, non-chill filtration, and more complex blend of six recipes deliver a significantly richer and more satisfying sip. If you enjoy the standard Small Batch and want to see what the brand is truly capable of, the upgrade to Select is a worthwhile investment.