Tonight we feature a match-up of bourbons that have competed before. In fact, Four Roses Bourbon has been in three of the previous eight competitions. And fun fact, neither of these bourbons have ever made it out of the first round. So no matter what happens we will see someone get their first win.
First up is our number two seed for Division One. Coming in at 80° proof, the former blended whiskey but now fan-favorite bourbon, and competing under the name Giant Charmer, please welcome: Four Roses!
And its opponent is the former favorite of generals and presidents. Even though this one has fallen on hard times, please welcome: Old Crow!
Reminder, all of the competitions this year were tasted blind and we knew the winner of the competition prior to any reveal. Notes, thoughts, and conclusions were all from before we knew what was what. Needless to say, some of my conclusions were surprising to me. Tasting notes may be a little unusual since they were being tasted at the same time and could have influenced the perceptions of one another.
Giant Charmer (Four Roses)
Purchase Info: $29.99 for a 1.75-liter bottle, Total Wine, Burnsville, MN
Price Per Drink (50 mL): $0.86
Details: 40% ABV.
Nose: Vanilla, mint, and caramel.
Mouth: A little thin on the mouth. Notes of vanilla, caramel, mint, and after a moment, cinnamon.
Finish: On the gentle side. Notes of cinnamon linger.
Thoughts: This isn't bad. Wouldn't be my first choice but I wouldn't turn it down if offered.
Barrel Shakes (Old Crow)
Purchase Info: $21.99 for a 1.75-liter bottle, Viking Liquor Barrel, Prior Lake, MN
Price Per Drink (50 mL): $0.63
Details: 40% ABV. Aged “for a full 3 years.”
Nose: Buttered popcorn and yeast bread.
Mouth: This is weird. Brown sugar, cinnamon, and an oddly chemical oak note.
Finish: Longer than I'd like. Oddly bitter.
Thoughts: If you had never had bourbon, had it described for you by someone who didn't like it, and then tried to make a bourbon using only their description as a guide, you would make this bourbon.
Winner: Giant Charmer and it isn't even close. Four Roses gets their first win on their fourth try. They will be advancing to round 2.
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