Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon

 

 

Hello, today is the 172nd  anniversary of the death of Edgar Allen Poe. Today I will raise a glass to a man who has had and continues to have a profound impact on much of modern entertainment. Specifically in the genres of mystery and horror. He also apparently had an influence on progressive rock. The Alan Parsons Project recorded an album entitled "Tales of Mystery and Imagination. The songs on the album retell some of Mr. Poe's works. Stand out hits are The Raven (of course) and Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether. I chose to post a tasting of the Four Roses - Single Barrel for this occasion. Other than the fact that both Edgar Allan Poe and Bourbon are American I thought the roses theme was also fitting. Apparently there is a tradition that has existed (not sure if it still does) where a person called the "Poe Toaster" would attend the grave of Mr. Poe while toasting him with a glass of Cognac (what? Why not whisky?). The toaster would then leave three roses. So I will now raise my glass and make a toast to Mr. Poe. He could likely never know how much his works would influence the world. His tales entertain us to this day. Cheers.

 

Now for the tasting notes:

 

Nose: I am instantly reminded of those old fashioned corn candies that are white, yellow and orange. This is joined by a blast of warm sugar and cherries. I also detected some red licorice. Delicious. 

 

Palate: I got a wallop of the warm sugar as if it were being cooked in something equally sweet, perhaps maple syrup. I also got a touch of ginger, and a pinch of pepper.

 

Finish: I found the finish to be smooth and medium long with a bit of a tingling sensation that prickles the taste buds with a sweet ginger and clove finale. Stunning.

 

This is one of my favourite bottles in my collection. It is wonderful from start to finish. Definitely a bottle I would buy again.

 

On that note I shall return to my "dream within a dream". Good night and happy tasting.       

 

     

Bookers 7 years 1 month

Well on this day in Music History The Allman Brothers Band released Brothers and Sisters. It was their most commercially successful album, sitting at the top of the US charts for 5 weeks. That it is a fantastic album is undeniable. I however felt like listening to the Live at Fillmore 1971. One of the greatest live albums that I know of. The blues and rock jams are great for any occasion.

The Allmans being one of the quintessential southern rock bands I felt a bourbon would be fitting. I know, Bourbon is from Kentucky and The Allmans are originally from Jacksonville, Florida. Unfortunately this will have to do because I don't have any Floridian whisky in my collection. Come to think of it I don't know that any exist (if you do please let me know).

So without further ado... My Bookers True Barrel Bourbon tasting notes:

Nose: delicious. Actually I am surprised. It is better than the last time I tried it. and I was quite fond of it then if I do recall. For a whisky at almost 65%  it hardly has any burn. I get lots of caramelized sugar, cloves and a bit of citrus zest.

Palate: Wow. There is a lot of heat to this whisky. Through the burn I detected a lot of clove. The thickness of this whisky is almost syrupy. I was also able to detect a bit of wood and a slight hint of black licorice.

Finish: The finish is very long and dry. The cloves hang on strong while a woody smokiness is barely detectable in the background.

I found this whisky to be quite fierce and I though that it might benefit from some rocks. Please forgive me.

After Ice

Nose: There seems to be a slight floral tone added to the nose. I was also able to detect more fruit (can't tell what fruit specifically).         

Palate: With burn tamed I was able to detect a smokiness. Interesting, its like when you put the campfire out with water, a lot of smoke appears. Also added to the notes are herbal tones and some honey. This reminded me of Drambuie for some reason.

Finish; The finish is still long but the cloves are not over bearing any longer. They linger in the background while the smoke and wood take lead.


This is a very potent whisky. It is not for the faint of heart, nor is it easy to get to know. I do think that if one takes the time they may be pleasantly surprised.

 Have a great day.