Four Roses Elliott’s Select 2016 Limited Edition Single Barrel
56.5% ABV (varies by barrel/bottle)
$125
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What the Distiller Says
Barrel strength. OESK. 14 years. Only 10,000 bottles produced. Introducing, Elliott’s Select.
Elliott’s Select is a limited-quantity Single Barrel Bourbon and marks the first limited edition bottling released by Brent Elliott, our master distiller.
Brent Elliott, who assumed the post of master distiller in September 2015, personally hand-selected the 14-year-old OESK, one of the Distillery’s 10 unique Bourbon recipes.
Subtle aromas of peach jam, magnolia blossoms and light oak preview the elegantly-balanced flavors of spiced vanilla, fresh nutmeg and delicate, ripe fruits. Sweet flavors of honey and light apricot linger in the finish.
What Gary Says
Nose: Rich, thick, robust caramel, fair amount of oak, vanilla, hazelnuts, allspice and nutmeg.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, sweet vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce; a dusting of nutmeg and cinnamon with and a hint of butterscotch that gives way to a pepper spice note.
Finish: Long and lingering with a hint of cinnamon and a strong hit of pepper spice on the way out.
Comments: The last few Four Roses samples I’ve spent time with have had a lovely subtle note of butterscotch; reminding me a bit of dusty National Distiller’s bourbon (not nearly that intense though). The OESK recipe isn’t one of my favorites, but this particular bourbon is delightful. Rich and robust flavor, wonderfully balanced, and not the slightest bit over-oaked.