First Impressions
Four Roses Small Batch Select — the newest permanent addition to the core lineup, launched 2019. Four Roses uniquely combines 2 mashbills with 5 proprietary yeast strains, yielding 10 distinct recipes. Small Batch Select uses 6 of those 10 (versus 4 in the standard Small Batch), non-chill filtered at 104 proof.
The 10 Recipe System
Two mashbills: B (60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malt) and E (75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malt). Five yeast strains: V (vanilla/pear), K (baking spice), O (berry/stone fruit), Q (floral), F (herbal/mint). Jim Rutledge, Master Distiller from 1995-2015, revived the brand after Seagram's pulled it from US shelves. His successor Brent Elliott created Small Batch Select.
Tasting
Caramel and toffee nose with Juicy Fruit gum and clove. The palate layers vanilla, sweet fruit, dark fruit, roasted nuts, and rye spice. The finish delivers cinnamon-infused caramel with toasted oak. The 6 recipes create genuine complexity.
The Verdict
Four Roses Small Batch Select earns an 8 — an excellent step up from standard Small Batch. The 10-recipe system is unique in bourbon, and using 6 of those recipes at 104 proof non-chill-filtered shows ambition. At £48, strong value for the complexity you get. Jim Rutledge's legacy, extended beautifully.
