Four Roses Small Batch Select was ranked #3 on Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of 2019, which is no small feat.

Each year, Whisky Advocate Buying Guide reviewers collectively sample hundreds of whiskies that are based on quality (rated 90 points or higher on Whisky Advocate’s 100-point scale), value and availability. An important part of the review process is a series of blind taste tests that are conducted by the reviewing panel in order to make this a truly impartial review. Reviewers are not made aware of details like the producer, country of origin, age or price. In fact, the average rating from the blind tasting panel will replace the Buying Guide rating. (Although, the original review will be listed for the record.) It isn’t until the final deliberation when the panel evaluates the average score, price and availability to determine the ranking.

Going through this process is just to iterate the prestige in making the Top 20. This is a thoroughly vetted list of whiskies that isn’t just about the most expensive brands–not to say that there aren’t some great ones out there! Whisky Advocate takes a holistic view of what makes a great whisky, so that’s why you’ll find a true range on this list from great value, to those top shelf brands.

“Our Top 20 is a selection of whiskies worthy of your attention. The list includes great values that might otherwise be overlooked, whiskies that are best in class for their style, and highly accomplished bottles you should be looking for. Most importantly, each of these whiskies generates excitement and marks a highlight across a year of tasting.” – Whisky Advocate

Four Roses Small Batch Select

Four Roses Small Batch Select is not only special for its spot on the Whisky Advocate list—this is also the latest addition to the Four Rose lineup. In fact, this is Four Roses’ first permanent product-line extension in more than 12 years, making this The Fourth Rose to join Four Roses Single Barrel, Four Roses Small Batch and Four Roses Bourbon.

Master Distiller Brent Elliott selected and mingled six of Four Roses’ 10 Bourbon recipes, each aged a minimum of 6 years, to handcraft Small Batch Select. Non-chill filtered and 104 proof, our newest permanent product-line extension offers truly unique flavor characteristics. Balancing notes of candied fruit with warmth and spice, Small Batch Select is enjoyable to both casual drinkers and Bourbon connoisseurs. Small Batch Select is best enjoyed straight up or on the rocks.

“We wanted to add something to our lineup that brings that pure experience you get with a non-chill filtered Bourbon, while also showcasing some of our recipes and flavors that aren’t as forward facing in our other existing bottles. While Small Batch Select can certainly be one of your special occasion Bourbons, we want it to be more accessible so you don’t hesitate to open up that bottle and enjoy it any time.”

-Brent Elliott, Four Roses Master Distiller