The 2017 edition of the Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch is unusual, in that it’s the first of the annual releases to use the distillery’s low-rye mash bills exclusively in the vatting. The whiskies are between 12 and 15 years old, and the final blend has a floral and sweet nose with notes of dried flowers, caramel, fudge, and hints of leather and pipe tobacco in the background. The taste has a good balance of sweetness and spices, with cinnamon and black pepper balanced by caramel, honey, and a touch of brown sugar. The finish is long and fades away gently with a good balance of sweetness and spices. Excellent! (September, 2017)