2016

Four Roses OESV

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Four Roses Single Barrel Private Selection
Recipe OESV, 10 years and 9 months old
59.7% ABV
$59.99
Website

The Recipe:
OESV 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.

“E” mean that this is the lower rye content of the two mashbills that Four Roses uses, specifically 75% Corn, 20% Rye, and 5% Malted Barley

“S” means that it is Straight Whiskey by U.S. Regulatory definition, again all their products carry this designation

“V” distinguishes the yeast strain used. This specific one impacts more of a delicate fruity flavor onto the distillate

What Richard Says:
Nose: When you first open the bottle a big dose of brown sugar comes wafting out. As it opens up I get more of a stewed stone fruit presence. With a fair addition of water it’s more of a light tropical fruit mix. Kiwi, passion fruit, and a bit of pineapple.
Palate: Rich, thick, and chewy. A real brawler on the palate. Again, this takes water very well leaving a smooth fruity sweetness of kiwi syrup over poached pears and brown sugar caramel.
Finish: This one finishes very heavy on the wood and mint.
Comments: I’m really more of a “B” higher rye mashbill kind of guy when it comes to Four Roses recipes. However, every now and again I come across one from the other side of the fence to reinforce my acquisition disorder of having both on hand in the whiskey closet. This is not the best example but it’s still damn tasty.
Rating: Stands Out

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Four Roses OBSQ

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Four Roses Single Barrel Private Selection
Recipe OBSQ, 10 years and 11 months old
54.2% ABV
$59.99
Website

The Recipe:

OBSO 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

“Q” distinguishes the yeast strain used. This specific one impacts more of a floral character onto the distillate

What Richard Says:
Nose: Grenadine, mint tea, jasmine, and clover.
Palate: This has a really nice layered richness to it. Cherry sweetness layered over jasmine and wisteria with a fresh mint note bringing up the back end.
Finish: This bottle finishes with kind of grassy note playing against the wood with a bit of black pepper teasing around the edges.
Comments: A great bottle of bourbon for sure. I don’t often get more floral notes from a bourbon but this one has it in spades. It’s also well layered and integrated. All around very enjoyable.
Rating: Must Try

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Four Roses OBSK

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Four Roses Single Barrel Private Selection
Recipe OBSK, 9 years and 5 months old
59.1% ABV
$59.99
Website

The Recipe:
OBSK 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

“K” distinguishes the yeast strain used. This specific one impacts more of a slightly spicy character onto the distillate

What Richard Says:
Nose: Vanilla extract, cracked black pepper, cinnamon Red Hots, and wintergreen mint.
Palate: Another big hit of cinnamon Red Hots followed by vanilla creme brulee and 5th Avenue chocolate and toffee bars. Fighting it’s way to the front is a spicy mixture of cayenne, and habanero pepper notes. This one bites back!
Finish: Fresh mint and more vanilla play against another cayenne kick before it fades out to a medium oak finish.
Comments: I’m a little partial to this barrel because I helped pick it out. Even still, I step back and really appreciate the depth here. OBSK seems to be a pretty popular pick. More often than not I find store barrel selections in this recipe. I think that tells that it’s a drinkable approachable bourbon but also that you would have better luck finding an OBSK than many other recipe selections.
Rating: Must Try

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Four Roses OBSO

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Four Roses Single Barrel Private Selection
Recipe OBSO, 11 years and 4 months old

55.4% ABV
$59.99
Website

What the Distillery Says

The Recipe:
OBSO 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

“O” distinguishes the yeast strain used. This specific one impacts more of a robust fruity flavor onto the distillate

What Richard Says:

Nose: Lush and fruity…poached red pears, orange zest, maraschino cherries, brown sugar, and a subtle mint backbone.
Palate: More cherries, orange marmalade, caramel syrup, and oak pervade. There is something else deliciously out of grasp that I can’t put my finger on.
Finish: Heavier on the oak than anything would foretell. Black pepper and a pinch of cayenne sneak up on you but a little water tames that right down.
Comments: I don’t necessarily have a favorite Four Roses recipe per se but this may be my favorite bottle ever purchased at the gift shop. This is a sterling example of the “robust fruity flavor” this recipe is supposed to bring to the table. Absolutely delicious.

Rating: Must Buy

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Four Roses OBSF

/ / Bourbon, Review /

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.

Rating: Stands Out

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