Four Gate Whiskey Company Split Stave By Kelvin Barrel Proof Straight Kentucky Whiskey (750ml)

Four Gate Whiskey Company opened in 2018 as a Non Distiller Producer (NDP). The founders never plan to distill, instead, they focus on sourcing the highest quality barrels to age small batch whiskeys. Managing a consistent flavour profile for a flagship product has been difficult, however, they finally secured enough whiskey to ensure a steady availability of their core Bourbon for the foreseeable future. It's called 'Split Stave by Kelvin' because of the custom finishing casks they employ. Essentially, the Kelvin Cooperage team dismantle and rebuild a series of medium toasted casks, alternating between toasted staves and #2 char staves on some barrels, and toasted and #4 char staves on others. The name “Split Stave” has since become an industry trademark. Four Gate's Bourbon is at least seven years old and created from a 75% Corn, 20% Rye and 5% Malted Barley mash bill. 56.5% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... [Batch #10 tasted] Lush cooked dark fruit and dark chocolate aromas, mingling with baking spice, earthen floor, leather, and iced tea hint at what's to come on the palate: chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry jam, a sweep of gingerbread spices, plus fresh mint and zesty dill, all with ample depth. There's no end to the white pepper, mocha, leathery oak, dark chocolate, and candied ginger on the finish, which remains complex and rewarding long after the glass is empty. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com

Double Gold / 95 points - San Francisco World Spirits Competition