Four Roses is one of those producers that rewards you for trading up through their range. The Single Barrel is a staple, the standard Small Batch is a solid daily pour — but Small Batch Select sits in that sweet spot where the extra money actually translates to something you can taste. At 52% ABV and carrying a non-age-statement designation, this is a bourbon that leans on blend craftsmanship rather than a number on the label, and honestly, it's all the better for it.
What makes Small Batch Select interesting is the approach. Four Roses works with ten distinct bourbon recipes — combinations of two mashbills and five proprietary yeast strains — and Select pulls from six of those recipes. That's a deliberate step up from the four used in the standard Small Batch. More recipes in the blend means more complexity, more layers to work through, and a richer overall profile. At 52%, it's bottled at a proof that actually lets those layers breathe without needing water, though a few drops won't hurt if that's your preference.
Tasting Notes
I won't pretend to give you a bead-by-bead breakdown here — tasting notes are subjective and shift with every session. What I will say is that this drinks like a bourbon that knows what it is. The higher ABV gives it genuine weight and presence on the palate without crossing into hot territory. It's barrel proof adjacent in character but with enough control to stay approachable. If you know Four Roses' house style — fruit-forward, floral, with a backbone of baking spice — expect that turned up a notch. The six-recipe blend adds a density that the standard Small Batch doesn't quite reach.
The Verdict
At around £56.75, Small Batch Select occupies a competitive price bracket. You're paying more than the standard Small Batch but significantly less than most single barrel picks or limited releases, and you're getting bourbon that genuinely punches above its price point. The 52% ABV is a smart choice — strong enough to carry flavour through ice or a cocktail, restrained enough to sip neat without flinching. This is a bottle I'd happily keep on the shelf permanently. It does everything well, nothing badly, and rewards attention without demanding it. A 7.6 out of 10 feels right — it's not trying to be the most exciting bourbon you've ever had, but it's consistently excellent, and that reliability counts for a lot when you're spending real money.
Best Served
This is a natural Old Fashioned bourbon. The proof holds up beautifully against sugar and bitters without getting lost, and you won't feel guilty about mixing something at this price. Two dashes of Angostura, a barspoon of demerara syrup, a big rock — that's the move. Equally good neat in a Glencairn if you want to sit with it. I'd avoid drowning it in a highball; there's too much going on here to dilute that heavily.
