Four Roses Private Selection Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon (OESQ)

Comparing OESQ (9 yr 6 mo 114.4 proof) VS OBSQ (9 yr 8 mo 121.6 proof). Recording matchup here. OESQ nose: light cherries and heavy caramel. Overall, very light nose. OBSQ nose: much different nose on this one. A lot more floral on this one. Some honey too OESQ palate: hot on the mid palate. Not too much going on. Falls a little flat honestly. Maybe a tiny tiny bit of caramel but mostly flat. Not what I was expecting for my first ever OESQ taste. Spicy on the second try for this one. OBSQ palate: a little more flavor I think but not much. Also this one falls flat for me with an interesting flavor. Some black pepper comes through on the second try. OESQ finish: short and peppery finish. OBSQ finish: shortish finish and a little peppery but overall medium Overall: the OBSQ is higher proof and drinks about the same as the OESQ. Also seems to be a little more complex with a better finish. OBSQ definitely wins but this recipe is probably not my favorite. Very similar to wild turkey products.

This is an 11-year selection I acquired some time ago from the Cox's Creek warehouse and bottling facility. The Master Distiller personally chose this barrel. Reflecting on it, I should have purchased two bottles instead of one, as this one is quite remarkable. The aroma begins with a warm, fresh cherry pastry scent. The next aroma is very floral, reminiscent of entering a large, warm conservatory brimming with thriving plants. Finally, that distinctive yeast imparts a scent like an antique shop or my grandparents' basement from the 90s. It evokes pleasant feelings before you even take a sip. The taste includes honey, cherry, caramel, toffee, and a touch of vanilla. While not overly complex, the flavors are distinct and well-balanced. The finish lingers longer than other selections from that yeast I've sampled previously. The finish is sweet and floral. There's also a hint of clove, cinnamon, and cherry, which I find quite appealing.

This bottle, a store selection from Gomer's in Kansas City, was aged for 9 years and 11 months at a proof of 116.2. I've had it for some time, so it's no longer available for purchase. It leaves long streaks in the glass. My expectations for an OESQ expression were not met. The aroma is certainly floral, slightly fruity, and sweet, but beyond that, it deviates from the typical OESQ profile. On the palate, it's loaded with autumnal spices, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pepper stings the lips, tongue, and chest, and the sensation endures. The finish continues with spices and pepper, lasting a considerable time before finally revealing a hint of floral notes, specifically rose hips. This bourbon clearly announces its high proof from the start and maintains that intensity. It's certainly not for the casual consumer, but it is absolutely delicious.

Consumed neat from the initial pour. This Binny's selection, approximately 11 years old, marks my first experience with an OESQ. The aroma features vanilla frosting, chocolate, and strawberries, almost like a crepe with a hint of baking spice underneath. The chocolate note is my most favored aspect. On the palate, it's thick and rich. Flavors of brown sugar and baking spices are prominent, with notes of burnt caramel and chocolate in the taste. As I continue to experience it, a floral element becomes more noticeable in both the aroma and taste. It's pleasing but only adequate. A slight disappointment for my initial Four Roses Barrel Strength Store pick encounter. The chocolate note alone saved the entire tasting experience.

The aroma, while not exceptionally intricate, is highly intriguing. Initial smelling yields strong scents of overripe bananas, rose petals, cinnamon, musty oak, apple skins, and a hint of acetone. On the palate, it's an eruption of bananas, cinnamon candies, and brown sugar, with the floral elements gradually appearing on the finish, alongside a not unpleasant note of barrel bitterness. Further tasting reveals notes of buttery cookies, toffee, and an underlying deep earthiness. A characteristically delicious example from a Four Roses barrel selection. Total Wine barrel pick: 55.2% ABV; aged 10 years

Ah, the oak, it's divine. The rye is very prominent; it's hard to believe this is their low rye at 20%! A delicious pour, though perhaps it would be better with less rye in my opinion. For me, this is difficult to find and costly. A bit of a splurge bottle that feels extremely worthwhile. The single barrel at 50% is good, but this one is great. I hope to acquire another once this is finished. Single barrel, barrel strength 57.1% Aged 10 years 7 months