Whiskey Review Special Valentine's Edition: Four Roses Bourbon and Single Barrel

With Valentine's bearing down on us, I thought I would do a special review: Roses.  Four Roses that is, both their Bourbon (left) and Single Barrel (right) offerings.  Yeah, I know...the Single Barrel is nearly empty. 

I am going to start off with the regular Bourbon.  Right off the bat I am worried.  It's a twist top.  TWIST TOP??? I can't remember the last time I had alcohol from a twist top.  The smell (nose...whatever) has a kick to it, but otherwise is fine.  First impression is...HEY NOT BAD.  It's not great, but not terrible either.  A spicy aftertaste does linger a bit and get stronger as it goes.  So beware if you don't like that or are eating spicy foods.

Ok now off to the Single Barrel.  Right off the bat, the bottle looks a lot better.  Intricate design, CORK, and some weird pleather strap.  Nothing says classy like pleather. The smell is distinctly less spicy, and very smooth almost sweet.  First impression is...this is gooooddd.  Very smooth and flavorful without the kick.  The after taste is present but not strong and mellows out quickly.  Definitely the superior offering.  

So gentlemen.  You have to ask yourself, what kind of whiskey drinking girl are you trying to impress? 

Yeah, yeah I know, Mila is probably holding a Jim Bean, but let's pretend it something more refined for a moment ok?  I mean really, look at her, does it matter what is in the glass?  Yes it does.  Buy the good stuff. 

Ladies, it doesn't matter, I am sure if you bought your whiskey drinking man either bottle they will be happy, because alcohol.  Just remember to enjoy some with him. 

The numbers: The regular I got on sale at Ralphs for $19! The Single Barrel was purchased at Bevmo for about $42.  

They reminds me of...Valentine's day...duh.

The verdict: The regular is actually kind of nice for that price, I would definitely drink this over Jack Daniels or Jim Beam, however, I wouldn't have an issue tossing some Coke or something in for a mixer.  As for the Single Barrel, the price is a bit on the high side for me.  Don't get me wrong, it's good, but I don't see the price value.  If you want to get "a dozen roses" you might consider the regular bottle.  Another alternative for the non-whiskey drinker is Tequila Rose, which pretty much tastes like a strawberry milkshake when over ice. 

Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.


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Professional tasting notes:
Regular
masterofmalt.com
whiskey.underthelabel.com

Single Barrel

masterofmalt.com

thewhiskeyjug.com

Whiskey Review: Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 10 year

It was January 2nd, 2016.  After a holiday season of, well let's just call it in depth research into whiskey, I found myself in the sleepy town of San Juan Capistrano for a mini-vacation.  We were at Vons picking up some water, and despite me having sworn off alcohol for at least a week, I found myself in front of a VERY impressive collection of whiskey.  Several deals were must haves, but I settled on this bottle of Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 10 year.  

I have been waiting to find this bottle for some time, since it is aged for 10 years which is much much more than the 2 year minimum for a straight bourbon.  My two attempts at ordering it in a restaurant have ended empty drammed (I made up that word).  I broke my alcohol hiatus immediately upon returning to the hotel room to bring you this review.  Yes, the sacrifices I make.  

The smell is very simple actually, mainly consisting of vanilla and caramel.  It is not going to burn your lungs if you take a deep breath of it, which is actually really nice.  If I could get an air freshener that smelled like this for my car, I would.  The first taste is interesting, while not very complex in flavor, the bourbon is still assertive, with a slight burn.  It brings a warming feeling to the table as well.  Despite the almost simple flavor, the bourbon is not one dimensional at all.  The finish is smooth, slightly sweet, and not overpowering.  There is a complete lack of smokey flavors, so for fans of that profile, this one may seem a little dull.  

The back of the bottle reads: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness-the cornerstones of the birth of a nation, epitomized by the American bald eagle.  That nation has come to represent the freedom, spirit and independence of the individual, giving the world products and innovations that are uniquely its own.  One such innovation was Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Indeed.  

The numbers: I got it for $32 at Vons which is a fair price.  You can probably find it for less online, but remember you will probably pay shipping.  

It reminds me of...simpler and fun times. 

The verdict: This is a good whiskey for the price, and for those who are extra patriotic (you know who you are), you gotta have it!  If you like a simple clean flavor, this is the whiskey for you.  If you are into more complex or smokey offerings, you should consider moving along and looking into a scotch instead.  

Please comment below!  If you think there is something I must try or something you want me to review, toss it in the comments and I will see what I can do.


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Professional tasting notes:
whiskey-reviews.com
spiritsreview.com