I’m not sure what I’m more excited about: the cool weather and crisp leaves of fall or a boatload of new bourbon releases. Either way, both will be here soon, and one of the first big releases (besides King of Kentucky and Old Forester Birthday Bourbon) is the annual Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch.

The 2022 iteration features four recipes hand-selected by Master Distiller Brent Elliott that range in age from 14 to 20 years. For all those Four Roses fanatics out there, the recipes are:

• 14 year-old OESF
• 14 year-old OESV
• 15 year-old OESK
• 20 year-old OBSV

Last year, Four Roses released a special 20-year-old single barrel at the distillery, so I know how special and tasty those older bourbons can be.

“From the beginning of crafting this year’s Limited Edition Small Batch bourbon, two particular batches stood out to me as potential candidates to go into the blend: a 14-year-old recipe batch that is remarkably smooth and rich on the palate, and a 20-year-old recipe batch that exhibits the best fruit barrel and spice qualities of extra-aged bourbon,” says Elliott in a news release. “The test blends revolved around those two batches until we landed on a liquid with a perfect balance that is unique, layered, mellow and elegant.”

I was fortunate to receive a small press sample of the bourbon, and I can attest to its nearly perfect balance and mellowness, even at 109 proof. On the nose I get a bowl full of cherries and a slight black peppery spice. And on first sip, I get tingles of banana, brown sugar, creme brûlée and plum, finishing off with some of that lingering spice from the high-rye recipes.

The 2022 LE Small Batch will be released around the country on Sept. 17 at a suggested retail price of $179.99. There are approximately 14,100 bottles.

Since they don’t want people camping out at the distillery, they’re opting for the public lottery draw via the Four Roses website. You can enter to win the rights to purchase a bottle from Aug. 22-26, and if you win, you must pick up the bottle yourself.

You can better believe I’m entering for a chance. Fingers, toes, arms, legs, nose hairs crossed!