Four Roses Elliot’s Select 2016 was Brent Elliot’s first release as Four Roses Master Distiller after taking on the title in 2015. While the departing of the much beloved Jim Rutledge was shrouded in a bit of confusion and a touch of controversy, Brent did his best to do the thing he was hired to do; continue the legacy that Jim started and make great bourbon.
In Four Roses’ Words: Four Roses Elliot’s Select 2016
“Brent Elliott, who assumed the post of master distiller in September 2015, personally hand-selected the 14-year-old OESK, one of the Distillery’s 10 unique Bourbon recipes.
Subtle aromas of peach jam, magnolia blossoms and light oak preview the elegantly-balanced flavors of spiced vanilla, fresh nutmeg and delicate, ripe fruits. Sweet flavors of honey and light apricot linger in the finish.”
It will be many more years before we taste anything done under Brent’s care and supervision gets released so naming this whiskey after him does leave a bit of a sour taste, but I understand what they’re trying to do and I can’t blame them too much. With that, on to the Four Roses Elliot’s Select 2016 review!
Four Roses Elliot’s Select 2016 Info
Region: Kentucky
Distiller: Four Roses
Mashbill: OESK – 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 14 Years
ABV: 53.4%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Warehouse: QN
Barrel: 53-1H
Price: Was $125 – now Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller
Four Roses Elliot’s Select 2016 Review
EYE
Caramel
NOSE
Oak, caramel, complex baking spice, dark fruit, dark sweets and bits of biscuits and something that’s almost melon-like.
PALATE
Heavier oak – it nearly dominates – caramel, vanilla, complex baking spice, dark fruit, dark sweets and bits of biscuits and again something that’s almost melon-like and a touch of char.
FINISH
Long sweet and spicy fade with a bit of oak and tannic dryness.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Well balanced, medium body and an oily feel. Surprised the whiskey didn’t deliver heavy and round.
OVERALL
Four Roses Elliot’s Select 2016 is quite nice. The aroma and palate align nicely with each other and nearly mimic each other in their delivery. Both aroma and palate have a modest sense of age and depth with a complex baking spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and clove coming through.
After tasting it I’m not sad that I missed out on getting a bottle at the $125 price point because OESK is a common recipe and it’s not too difficult to find stores who picked out a barrel of OESK that’s between 10-11 years which you can pick up for about $75 and are as good or better than this. If you’re in the same boat and didn’t ever get one or get to try it don’t despair, just keep your eye out for a store pick and you’ll be just fine… or better.
SCORE: 87-89/100 (B+, consumed at a tasting)