Four Rose 20yr “Visitor Center” Single Barrel (FS | 39-3C) 119.2° | December 2021

 


 

 

Nose:  Intoxicatingly rich nose that speaks of refined, classy reverence.  The image of an opulent banquet filled with joy comes to mind.  A hollow spice hovers over the base of the flavor like the cloud surrounding Mt Fuji. The base of the nose feels to be grounded in a mist of sweetness that hovers slightly above the ground.

 

Mid-palate:  An initial spice followed by a deep sweetness.  The depths of the profile remind me of the HW-55 expression with intricate sweet floral-fruity notes.  The heat settles on the tongue and seems to coat the whole mouth, leaving a bubble with a slight numbing sensation – creating the impacts of a Kentucky Chews without really trying.  There is a delicate element to it swirled with complexity that seems to last longer than normal.  A tinge of oak comes out, but one would not be able to detect that it is a 20-year bourbon – most aged bourbon can be overwhelmed by oak and wood; this doesn’t signify elements of such.  If 20 years tasted like this, everyone would be pursuing this course.  A second sip provided a flash of Stitzel-Weller products with a slight bit of dustiness that has a grounding of subtle sweetness.  On the third micro-pour (3/16 oz) sipping (I couldn’t help myself), there are elements reminiscent of King of Kentucky with the dense richness that elicits the thought of motor oil.  Another sip leads to a calmer sweetness with a fun heat profiles that one can play with by executing a variety of heat manipulation.  And even to the end of it, I’m still tasting and trying to figure out what is the last vestige of it all.    

 

Verdict:  Quality bourbon of the highest level has multiple dimensions and complexity.  They present a play with multiple acts – each act exhibiting a particular profile… when you think you understand it, it morphs on you and changes to something else.  There is so much to enjoy with this pour.  I’m slightly addicted to it – going on my fourth pour and each time, it is pleasant from a different perspective.  Phenomenal item. 

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