Stands Out

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 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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SMWS Cask 39.99

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, SMWSA Whiskies /

SMWS Cask 39.99 Springtime in Andalucia
58.9% ABV
23 Year Old
Speyside Lossie Region
Distilled April 1990
Refill Hogshead

What the Bottler Says:
‘What a nose’ and ‘I could smell this all day’ were just two remarks before we noted aromas of toasted malt loaf with melted butter, freshly made peanut brittle, brandy snaps, raisins, sultanas and chocolate liqueur over apple and custard crumble – pure decadence. The taste is classic monkey bread oozing with warm caramel and cinnamon, chopped walnuts, raisins and brown sugar. With the addition of water the nose is still rich and complex with a distinct whiff of salty sea breeze just like a Manzanilla Pasada Sherry. The taste is fresh, sweet and salty; Brazil nuts, toffee, red liquorice and a never ending finish of a well-made Arugula salad with honey-drizzled peaches.

Drinking Tip: When you have time to let your mind wander

What Richard Says:
Nose: Rich, sweet, and malty. Old brandy, powdered sugar covered chewy fruit confections, and wheat germ.
Palate: It’s even richer and more decadent in the mouth than on nose. It kind of reminds me of a Payday candy bar. Heavy on the nuts and caramel. There is also a heavy undercurrent of raisins and other dried dark fruits.
Finish: A slightly dry, nutty, cereal finish. It’s not terribly long but it lingers a bit. Water leaves the finish more salty than nutty.
Comments: This is a very compelling and complex dram. I don’t really love it. It’s not something I would reach for often. However, exploration is rewarded. There are many layers of flavor, nuance, and depth to be found here. This dram is a deep dark cave that screams “Spelunk me!”
Rating: Stand Out

We would like to thank the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America for sending a sample for the holidays. Our apologies for the review delays. Holiday head colds were unavoidable.

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SMWS Cask 95.19

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, SMWSA Whiskies /

SMWS Cask 95.19 Enigmatic Duality
53.2% ABV
17 Year Old
Speyside Spey Region
Distilled August 1997
Refill Hogshead

What the Bottler Says:
The nose appealed to us all – but in surprisingly different ways – some go tropical fruits – dried mango, kiwi, lingen berry sorbet and ‘waxed lemons in the Tuscan sun’ – others detected deeper elements of tar, seaweed and even a wisp of smoke. That enigmatic duality persisted with water – pink peppercorns, horseradish, honey, ‘lightening over herb gardens’ and toasted pistachios. The palate was immediate and powerful – mouth-coating waxed fruits, heather honey and creme brulee wrested with peppery heat, hints of bonfire ash and carbolic. In reduction, we found aloe vera, menthol, Fisherman’s Friends, clove, hickory and fried sage leaves – good sweet-savoury balance.

Drinking Tip: A curiosity dram – have fun perplexing your friends.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Herbaceous and outdoorsy in a very inviting way. It reminds me of wildflower fields in North Georgia, pine forests, and Ricola lozenges. There is a bit of muted sweetness and essence of the sea floating in the background but nothing that makes you stand up and take notice.
Palate: In your face with a meaty salty sweetness. It’s rich and chewy with a nice rich mouthfeel. There is a spicy nuttiness that plays well with the other notes.
Finish: The finish is short and to the point. There is very little to linger on here.
Comments: I can’t say this is really recognizable as a standout for a specific distillery but it is intriguing. There are some nice counterbalances going on in this dram. Sweet, savory, rich, and spicy. Very nice indeed.
Rating: Stands Out

We would like to thank the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America for sending a sample for the holidays. Our apologies for the review delays. Holiday head colds were unavoidable.

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Kirkland Signature Scotch Bourbon Cask Blend

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky
Aged 24 Years, Bourbon Cask Matured
40% ABV
$89.99
Kirkland Signature Cask Blend
What the Bottler Says:
Combining the knowledge of some of Scotland’s master distillers, and using only the purest waters from Scotland’s Highland lochs, this Kirkland Signature Scotch Whisky was matured for almost a quarter of a century in hand-picked ex-Bourbon Oak casks. The result is a blended Scotch that is dark amber in color with aromas of freshly sliced apples and malted barley. It is full-bodied with notes of toffee, dried fruit and oak. These flavors linger on the palate and give way to a long, smooth, warming finish.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Orange zest, dried honeycombs, and under ripe apples. At the back there is just the slightest bit of tobacco.
Palate: This is a very smooth easy drinking blend that drinks a bit younger than it is. There are wisps in the flavor of that polished leather and sweet pipe tobacco note from old scotch but not as much as you would expect. Mostly, what comes through is caramel drizzled fruity sweetness.
Finish: This finishes a little more on the woody side but the blender is right about the long, warming finish.
Comments: Greatest scotch find ever from Costco? No. Although for age statement whores finding a 24 year old blended scotch for under $50 could be a steal. In terms of what it’s the bottle you can find better, more interesting (although younger) scotches at this price point but this isn’t a bad buy at all either.
Rating: Stands Out

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