Four Gate Batch 26 Bourbon Andalusia Key II 750ML is a limited-release Kentucky straight bourbon finished in Spanish Oloroso Sherry-Dark Rum casks, bottled at 58.2% ABV (116.4 proof). Scoring 93 points from Whisky Advocate, this expression is one of just 4,014 bottles produced, showcasing Four Gate's reputation for inventive cask-finishing work.Quick Facts: ABV: 58.2% (116.4 Proof) | Origin: Kentucky, USA | Aged at least 7 Years, 6 Months | Producer: Four Gate Whiskey Company (NDP)Production & HeritageFour Gate Whiskey Company operates as a non-distilling producer, sourcing mature bourbon from established Kentucky and Indiana distilleries and applying distinctive barrel-finishing techniques in collaboration with Kelvin Cooperage. The Andalusia Key II expression starts with a bourbon built on a mashbill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley, aged a minimum of seven years and six months before undergoing a secondary maturation in hybrid casks that previously held both Spanish Oloroso sherry and dark rum. This dual-cask finishing approach layers the base bourbon's grain character with complementary influences from two very different fortified and spirit traditions, a hallmark of Four Gate's small-batch philosophy.Tasting NotesAroma: Sweet stone fruits and molasses greet the nose first, followed by delicate floral undertones and a crack of black pepper. The sherry influence surfaces as dried dark fruit, while the rum cask lends a subtle sugarcane sweetness.Taste: The entry is rich and full-bodied, with toasted nuts and ripe orchard fruit taking the lead. Mid-palate, baking spice—cinnamon and allspice—asserts itself alongside the rye grain's peppery edge. The rear palate transitions into caramelized brown sugar and a molasses-like depth that speaks directly to the rum-cask finishing.Finish: Medium in length with a warm, slightly oily texture. Vanilla and lingering pepper spice close things out, leaving a pleasant interplay of sweet and savory.How to Drink Andalusia Key IIAt 116.4 proof, this bourbon rewards a slow pour neat, though a few drops of water open up the fruit and floral aromatics significantly. It also holds its own in spirit-forward cocktails where its cask-finished complexity can shine. Old Fashioned: The brown-sugar sweetness and baking spice work naturally with a demerara sugar cube and aromatic bitters. Vieux Carré: The sherry and rum cask layers complement the sweet vermouth and Bénédictine in this classic New Orleans cocktail. Boulevardier: The bourbon's fruit-forward weight stands up to Campari's bitterness without losing its finishing-cask nuance. Best For Gifting a serious bourbon collector who values limited-production releases Adding a cask-finished rarity to a curated home whiskey library Side-by-side tastings comparing sherry-finished and rum-finished bourbons Celebrating a milestone with a high-proof, small-batch pour Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Andalusia Key II taste like? Andalusia Key II delivers rich sweet fruit and toasted nut flavors up front, moving into baking spice and caramelized brown sugar, with a medium finish of vanilla and pepper. The dual sherry-rum cask finish adds layers of dried fruit and molasses not found in standard bourbon.How does Andalusia Key II compare to Barrell Craft Spirits finished bourbons? Both brands are non-distilling producers known for creative cask finishes, but Four Gate's releases are produced in significantly smaller batches—just over 4,000 bottles here—positioning them as more limited and typically at a higher price tier than most Barrell offerings.Is Andalusia Key II good for sipping neat? Yes, it is well-suited to neat sipping despite its 116.4 proof; the cask finishing adds enough fruit sweetness and complexity to balance the alcohol heat, and a few drops of water further soften the palate.Where is Andalusia Key II made? Four Gate Whiskey Company is based in Louisville, Kentucky, and sources its bourbon from distilleries in Kentucky and Indiana before finishing the whiskey in specialty casks crafted by Kelvin Cooperage.What foods pair well with Andalusia Key II? Dark chocolate truffles complement the molasses and dried-fruit notes. Manchego cheese echoes the Spanish sherry-cask influence. Pecan pie mirrors the brown sugar and nut flavors. Jerk chicken or Caribbean-spiced pork plays off the rum-cask sweetness. Crème brûlée matches the caramelized sugar finish.What sizes does Andalusia Key II come in? Four Gate Batch 26 Andalusia Key II is available in the standard 750ML bottle size.Is Andalusia Key II worth the price? Andalusia Key II positions as an ultra-premium, limited-release bourbon with only 4,014 bottles produced, a distinctive dual-cask finish, and a 93-point Whisky Advocate score—factors that place it firmly in collector and enthusiast territory rather than everyday drinking.Why Andalusia Key II?The defining feature of this release is its Spanish Oloroso Sherry-Dark Rum hybrid cask finish, a combination rarely attempted in American whiskey. Developed in partnership with Kelvin Cooperage, the custom casks introduce dried fruit, sugarcane, and spice dimensions that standard bourbon barrels simply cannot provide. A 93-point rating from Whisky Advocate and a production run of just 4,014 bottles reinforce its status as one of Four Gate's standout batches. For drinkers seeking bourbon that pushes beyond conventional flavor boundaries while maintaining balance at cask strength, Batch 26 makes a compelling case.
