Four Gate BRBN DownUnder Batch 24 Bourbon 750ML is a limited-release, 116.6-proof (58.3% ABV) Indiana straight bourbon finished in Australian Apera Sherry casks in a 750ml bottle. With only 2,178 bottles produced, this batch stands out for its uncommon finishing vessel — Apera is Australia's answer to Spanish sherry, yielding a distinctive dried-fruit and nutty character rarely encountered in American whiskey. Quick Facts: ABV: 58.3% (116.6 proof) | Origin: Indiana, USA | 6.5 Years, Apera Sherry Cask Finish | Distillery: Sourced (Indiana) Production & Heritage Four Gate Whiskey Company, founded in 2018 and based in Louisville, Kentucky, operates as an independent bottler specializing in sourced and finished American whiskeys. The base spirit for DownUnder Batch 24 is a high-rye Indiana straight bourbon — mashbill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley — aged for six and a half years before being transferred into Australian Apera Sherry casks for secondary maturation. While most sherry-finished bourbons rely on Spanish Oloroso or Pedro Ximénez barrels, Four Gate's use of Apera casks introduces a subtly different oxidative character unique to Australian fortified winemaking traditions, giving this batch a flavor profile that diverges from more conventional sherry finishes. Tasting Notes Aroma: Bright citrus zest arrives first, followed by roasted cashews, light red fruit, and a thread of black pepper. The Apera influence shows as a gentle nuttiness that weaves through the grain-forward bourbon base. Taste: The entry is oak-driven with immediate vanilla sweetness, transitioning at mid-palate into sweet berries and toasted almonds. The high-rye mashbill asserts itself through layers of cracked black pepper and baking spice, balancing the sherry cask's fruit-forward contribution. At barrel proof, the flavors are concentrated and assertive without becoming harsh. Finish: Medium-long, with vanilla and light barrel tannins merging with lingering nut and dried fruit notes. A gentle warmth from the 116.6 proof tapers gradually, leaving behind a pleasant echo of sweet oak and spice. How to Drink DownUnder Batch 24 At 116.6 proof, this bourbon rewards patient sipping neat, though a few drops of water open up the Apera influence and soften the barrel-strength intensity. Its bold proof and layered sweetness also make it a compelling cocktail base. A Manhattan benefits from the berry and nut undertones that complement sweet vermouth. An Old Fashioned allows the vanilla-oak core to shine with minimal interference. A Boulevardier pairs the bourbon's dried fruit and spice with Campari's bitterness for a rich, layered drink. Best For Bourbon collectors seeking limited-batch, cask-finished releases Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values unusual finishing techniques Side-by-side tastings comparing sherry-style cask finishes Special occasion pours where barrel-proof complexity is the focus Frequently Asked Questions What does DownUnder Batch 24 taste like? It leads with vanilla and oak, develops into sweet berries and toasted almonds at mid-palate, and carries persistent black pepper spice from its high-rye mashbill. The Australian Apera Sherry cask finish adds a distinctive nutty, dried-fruit dimension not typical of standard bourbon. How does DownUnder Batch 24 compare to Belle Meade Bourbon Sherry Finish? Both are high-rye bourbons finished in sherry-style casks, but Belle Meade uses Spanish Oloroso sherry barrels and is bottled at a lower proof (around 90.4 proof). DownUnder Batch 24's Australian Apera casks and 116.6-proof bottling deliver a more concentrated, nutty profile with greater intensity. Is DownUnder Batch 24 good for sipping neat? Yes — barrel-proof bourbon enthusiasts will find it rewarding neat, though the 116.6 proof can benefit from a small addition of water to reveal more nuance from the Apera cask influence. Where is DownUnder Batch 24 made? The bourbon is distilled at an Indiana distillery using a 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley mashbill, then finished and bottled by Four Gate Whiskey Company, which is based in Louisville, Kentucky. What foods pair well with DownUnder Batch 24? Aged Gouda or sharp cheddar complement the nutty, caramel notes. Dark chocolate with dried cherries mirrors the berry and cacao undertones. Smoked almonds echo the toasted nut character. Charcuterie with fig jam bridges the dried-fruit and spice elements. Pecan pie reinforces the bourbon's vanilla and warm baking spice. What sizes does DownUnder Batch 24 come in? Four Gate BRBN DownUnder Batch 24 is available in the standard 750ml bottle size. Is DownUnder Batch 24 worth the price? It positions as a premium limited-release bourbon, justified by its small production run of 2,178 bottles, six-and-a-half-year age statement, barrel-proof bottling, and uncommon Australian Apera Sherry cask finishing — factors that place it in line with other sought-after independent bottler releases. Why DownUnder Batch 24? The defining differentiator here is the Australian Apera Sherry cask finish — a finishing choice virtually unheard of in American whiskey. Where most producers reach for Spanish sherry barrels, Four Gate sourced casks from Australia's fortified wine tradition, introducing an oxidative nuttiness and restrained dried-fruit sweetness that sets this apart from the crowded field of sherry-finished bourbons. The high-rye mashbill provides structural backbone and peppery bite that prevent the finish from becoming overly sweet, while the barrel-proof bottling ensures nothing is diluted. With fewer than 2,200 bottles in existence, Batch 24 is a genuinely distinct release for drinkers who want something beyond the expected.
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