Four Roses Single Barrel Private Selection
Recipe OBSF, 11 years and 6 months old
61.47% ABV
$59.99
Website
What the Distiller Says
The Recipe:
OBSF is currently only available as a private selection bottling at the distillery gift shop or possibly at a local liquor store near you. Unlocking the recipe codes goes like this…
“O” starts all of Four Roses’ recipes and only means that it is made by Four Roses in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
“B” mean that this is the higher rye content of the two mashbills that Four Roses uses, specifically 60% Corn, 35% Rye, and 5% Malted Barley
“S” means that it is Straight Whiskey by U.S. Regulatory definition, again all their products carry this designation
“F” distinguishes the yeast strain used. This specific one impacts more of a lightly herbal note onto the distillate
What Richard Says:
Nose: The nose is a little more herbal and vegetal forward than readily available Four Roses expressions. The minty notes are there but much less prevalent than you would expect. Give it a little more time to air out or some water and a nice bit of cherry pushes forward.
Palate: On the palate this specific bottle is a little more muted. It has more in common with their Yellow Label than it does with the Small Batch or Single Barrel. Even at a very high bottling proof it drinks pretty easy. Oak, anise, toffee crisps, cocoa powder, spearmint, and cherry ice cream come to those that put in the time to peel back the layers.
Finish: This finishes like a great single barrel of Four Roses. Mint, dark fruits, and a nice balancing woodiness.
Comments: This is by no means my favorite recipe from Four Roses. Even so, it has goodg qualities. It is a very easy drinker that gives you a different key on a song you’ve heard before. The nose and finish really stand out but that muted palate is a little underwhelming.