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

Comparing OESV (10 yr 2 mo, 103 proof) against OBSV (12 year 2 mo, 119.4 proof). Here are the details for this comparison. OESV aroma: Presents a slightly darker fruit profile than the OBSV. The overall aroma isn't as full, but still very rich. OBSV aroma: Very subtle berry notes. Abundant fruit. Also rich. Tastes like strawberry cheesecake. Fantastic. OESV taste: Immediate berry flavor. A little sharp on the palate, though. But I truly enjoy the fruit in this. A very pleasant experience trying this variant for the first time. OBSV taste: Rich and thick, similar to Booker's but sweeter. Not much spice, yet it packs a punch at nearly 120 proof. Very intricate. A bit of rye comes through on the second taste, but this is quite solid. OESV finish: Medium-short and sweet. OBSV finish: Medium length and also sweet. Overall: Before I determine which is superior, I must note that the OBSV 12 yr is significantly darker than the OESV 10 yr. It's unbelievable how just two additional years resulted in this much darker color. I have to say the OBSV is also simply better. As a heads-up, this might not always be the case. The OESV is a standard NC ABC selection, and the OBSV is a selection from Shortbarrel in GA (who selects outstanding barrels). Therefore, this outcome could differ in other situations. Regardless, hats off to this OBSV selection. Exceptionally good.

Received as part of the "Whiskey Transfer Program" from a friend. To be transparent: this is my initial experience with a Four Roses product beyond the standard yellow label, which I wouldn't find useful for degreasing machinery. This barrel selection from Binny's in Illinois is bottled at 60.2%. I don't dislike it, but I had hoped to love it as a friend considers it excellent. Nose: A strong ethanol presence, light lemon zest, white sugars, musty wood, and a subtle hint of olive brine. Taste: Sweet and surprisingly oily and thick. Wood is prominent at the start, which I found unexpected. More citrus peel and a bit more olive brine in the flavor. Finish: Medium-long with considerable rye spice and a bit more olive. I detect a significant amount of olive brine throughout this whiskey. Unusual. It's not a bad whiskey, but it's a little one-note, and the finish has too much rye spice for my preference. Perhaps I simply don't care for Four Roses? The olive flavors were somewhat off-putting to me.

Total Wine 2020 selection. 10y 8mo. Tier 1. Not a ton of 4R experience, but this is good whiskey. Rye spice, oak, pepper, buttery nose. Palate confirms the nose with some cherry. Not as rich on the tongue as I’d like with most of the focus being in the center of the tongue. Medium finish. Slightly lacking. More ethanol burn than the proof would suggest. I use the rating scale below. The distiller uses a scale of 5 and I use a scale of 10, but I’m sure you’re not too drunk to do the math! 1. Disgusting - So bad I poured it out. 2. Poor - I wouldn't consume by choice. 3. Bad - Multiple flaws. 4. Below average - Not bad, but many things I'd rather have. 5. Good - Just average. 6. Very Good - Better than average. 7. Great - Well above average. 8. Excellent - In a league of its own. 9. Incredible - An all-time favorite. 10. Perfect

Thick legs in the glass. The aroma is very sweet and caramel-like, with notes of stone fruit and just a hint of cardamom and clove. It's hotter on the palate than I anticipated based on the aroma, with a peppery quality. The fruit and caramel emerge once the pepper fades. The finish is medium-long. I don't typically feel the need to add water to whiskeys of this caliber, but since it hit my palate hotter than expected, I added a few drops. The aroma became sweeter, and the initial pepper significantly diminished, allowing the sweet caramel to take center stage. The finish shortens slightly but still leaves a pleasant warmth in the chest. I'm uncertain which way I prefer it. This tasting is based on a freshly opened bottle, so I'll let it rest for a while and revisit it. It's excellent nonetheless.

Nose: A fresh, fruity aroma with some floral notes. Strawberry, apricot, cool mint, and a faint hint of oak. Palate: Fresh strawberry and apricot are present on the palate. Vanilla, rye spice, brown sugar, and a floral sweetness make this a very pleasant sipping experience. Finish: Red berries, brown sugar, and oak spice conclude this one. The finish is rich and lasts. Overall: This has the perfect amount of sweet and spice. It's wonderfully balanced and has a great body. It's a fantastic example of Four Roses' fruitiness and is simply delicious. The only drawback is the price ($90) for these barrel strength offerings.

Nose - So sweet from those elements. Lots of bright berry and cherry. A little pear. A bit of sticky maple. Some peanut notes linger right on top. Slightly bready, like a loaf of cinnamon raisin toast. It has some floral notes to accompany those bright fruit notes. Palate - Lots of vanilla and barrel char from the first sip. Followed by some cinnamon and nuttiness. Very light and refreshing mouthfeel with notes of black pepper and light mint. Finish - Light and smooth with continuous notes from the palate. Really nice and consistent.