Four Roses Private Selection (Norfolk Whisky Group OESV 10 yr 8 m)

The aroma is gentle but offers notes of pepper, floral spice, dried flowers, and charred oak. There's a subtle amount of vanilla and brown sugar in the background, but the floral notes truly dominate the aroma of this whiskey. While it's quick to say that this is very floral on the nose, there are plenty of very soft ripe stone fruit notes. Between the floral and fruity elements, this whiskey is almost tropical, but it's nicely balanced by the right amount of oak and the most subtle hints of vanilla and brown sugar. The taste is rich yet gentle, filling the mouth with a pepperiness that reaches the corners of the mouth while oak and vanilla cascade over the tongue. The oak mingles with notes of dried flowers and ripe fruit, providing a very full and chewy taste. Much of this is quintessential for roses and very enticing, making you want to return for another sip. This is barrel number 37-1f, and while it's not the most bold Four Roses Private Selection I've had, it's a great example of how truly good their whiskey is. I would prefer it to be a little more intense, a little more in your face for being a single barrel and cask strength, but it's still undeniably delicious. The finish is long and chewy, with each chew able to bring out more pepperiness and more richness. There is a lingering spice that keeps the mouth tingling while the rest of the palate melds together perfectly until you take the next sip. One thing about Four Roses Private Selections is that the experience seems to be endless. You take a while to savor the aroma, you take a while to savor the taste, the finish lasts and lasts, and before you know it, an eternity has passed and it's time for the next sip.