Bourbon Review
Four Gate Andalusia Key
Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey — Aged 7 Years
The Story
Four Gate is one of the more interesting operations in the bourbon world: a blending-focused company that sources barrels and marries them into something greater than the sum of their parts. The Andalusia Key release is a prime example — a carefully constructed blend that leans into complexity without overcooking it. This isn't a distillery with a rickhouse full of their own barrels; it's a craft operation run by people who know exactly what they're looking for and have the patience to find it. The result is a bottle that rewards attention.
Nose, Palate & Finish
Nose
Rich and layered — dark cherry, toasted caramel, and a whiff of leather open things up. There's a subtle funkiness underneath that keeps it interesting, along with baking spices and a faint hint of dark chocolate. Needs a minute to breathe and rewards you for giving it one.
Palate
Full-bodied and well-balanced. The entry is sweet — maple and toffee — followed by a wave of dried dark fruit, clove, and a pleasantly assertive oak backbone. The blending shows here: no single note dominates, and the whole thing hangs together in a way that single-barrel releases often don't. Plenty going on without being busy.
Finish
Long and warming, with lingering spice and toasted oak. The sweetness fades gracefully, leaving a dry, slightly smoky trail that makes you want to go back for another sip.