This whiskey, due out next month, is nice, but I think I like last year’s release a little more. (I rated that 89.)

Regarding the two recipes I mention below, the first recipe combines a 19 year old bourbon and a 10 year old bourbon (recipe code “OBSK”). The second recipe is a 10 year old bourbon (code “OESO”).

OB indicates their 35% rye formula. OE is their 20% rye formulate. Malted barley in both is only 5%.

Note that the ABV is a range, not exact. That’s because I got my sample so early, they haven’t yet identified exactly what the strength is.

Four Roses Mariage Collection, 2009 Release, (57-59%), $80
A combination of 10 and 19 year old bourbons with two different recipes. Very spicy, but no excessive oak (given the 19 year old component). But still, there’s definitely more oak than last year’s release, and maybe more than I would like for balance. Along with the cinnamon, cool mint, cocoa powder and nutmeg, there are caramelized sugars and bright citrus notes. This is a tight whiskey too—not heavy and lethargic, like some 10-plus year old bourbons can be. The flavors are crisp and vibrant, all the way to its polished oak, tobacco-tinged finish.

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 87

One final note. I’ll be reviewing the new Rittenhouse Rye 25 year old single barrel live later this afternoon at 4pm EST on Twitter. I just got the review sample this morning. It will be the first public review of this whiskey. If you’re not doing anything, join in on the fun (@JohnHansell). I’ll be comparing it to the two previous releases, the 21 and 23 year old.  If you can’t join me today, I’m hoping to post a review up here over the weekend on WDJK.