Four Roses Private Selection Single Barrel Barrel Strength (OESF)

Enjoying this 100 proof (50% ABV) Four Roses Bourbon Single Barrel from Warehouse No. JW, Barrel No. 58-2J. The light nose hints at cork, dried raisins, vanilla, and fresh flowers. The palate starts with a strong rye spice, followed by honey, peaches, and subtle notes of brown sugar and light oak. Four Roses' use of 10 distinct recipes is unique, offering various single barrel profiles. Trying each recipe is part of the enjoyment of the Four Roses Single Barrel line.

Competing all recipes against each other. Head to head with B versions versus E versions. Nose: OESF has wildflower honey on the nose. It's somewhat sweet but also very floral. The OBSF is a little sweeter to me on the nose, with black licorice for me. Palate: OESF has an amazing palate. Sweet and thick. It's also very hot initially (113.2 proof). Not super complex but very tasty. OBSF is a little more tame on the palate and a bit more complex. It also has licorice on the palate. Finish: OBSF has a kind of short finish. OESF has a medium length finish. Overall: both are very good choices and my first attempt at a Four Roses barrel pick. To me, the OESF wins just by a hair.

A selection from the KC area Hyvee in Spring 2022, aged for 10 years and 11 months at 121 proof. The aroma is quite sweet, featuring notes of cream of tartar and rosemary. The taste is very unique. Initially herbaceous, as one might anticipate, with a sweet undertone. A hint of caramel emerges as the herbaceousness subsides, followed by a strong wave of pepper towards the conclusion. The finish is notably savory. Adding water was detrimental; the sweetness vanished, leaving a disjointed blend of various herbs and pepper.

8 years 9 months. Heritage, Denver pick. 118.2 proof. Absolutely delicious. Vanilla and fruits entwined with candied nuts. This all leads way to slightly bitter herbal and floral flavors. Long dry finish that has a perfect burn. Four Roses is winning.

Aroma: sweet peppermint candy. Bready notes. Flavor: barrel char, floral, candied pecans, with mint appearing in the background, vanilla, and more char in the finish. It coats the tongue nicely.

This is a fantastic pour from this brand; it was a 10-year store selection, very complex. I'm not usually a fan of spearmint, but this has a subtle hint of it.