Here we are on Christmas Eve, the final day of Advent. And thus all that remains between us and the glory of Christmas is the task of drinking one more Advent Spirit. Talk about comfort and joy!

The good people at The Mixologer (who put this Advent calendar together) have given us a special treat on this last day: Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon. Four Roses is a storied brand, dating back to the 1860s. They became famous for their high-quality, straight Kentucky Bourbon, and then survived the Prohibition period by manufacturing “medicinal” alcohol. Then in 1943 they were purchased by Seagram, which a decade later ceased production of Four Roses straight bourbon. (They instead focused on blended whisky.) Such was the state of affairs until the early 2000s, when Kirrin bought the Four Roses brand and re-launched it as a straight bourbon. And that’s what we got our hands on today.

This is a 90-proof bourbon that’s been aged for at least 6 years, which are both points in its favor. The website is pretty minimalist in describing this spirit. Here’s what they say: “For a spirits enthusiast who wants a go-to premium bourbon, Four Roses Small Batch is a perfectly balanced everyday bourbon that elevates every moment to a special occasion.” I’m now a little confused: Is this a “premium” bourbon (as suggested in the first half of the sentence, or an “everyday” bourbon (as stated in the second half)? I guess there’s only one way to find out.

Appearance: It’s the color of the star on top of the Christmas tree.

Aroma: Fresh-baked gingerbread, mulled wine, grandma’s Christmas cookies.

Taste: Figgy pudding, fruitcake, eggnog, rum balls, spiced pecans.

Finish: bright and cheery, deep and crisp and even.

Bottom Line: It seems the Christmas spirit has infiltrated my review. Let’s just summarize by saying this is a delicious bourbon, and that I hope you and yours enjoy a wonderful, Merry Christmas and a most joyous and prosperous New Year! Be watching this space for a road trip, coming soon.