Four Roses Single Barrel Collection - OESK Recipe

I casually browsed my local liquor store with no real intention of buying anything. Of course, I couldn't resist picking up this new bottle. It was either OESK or OBSF. It had to be one. I'll need to return for the other later. This one is OESK. Nose: A delightful opening. Like Halloween treats in a glass: candy corn, Hershey milk chocolate, caramel apples, waxy Nik L Nips. There's a touch of earthiness providing a grounding counterpoint to the sweet confections. It has straw grass, petrichor, and ginger root notes. Palate: Contrary to the sweet aroma, the initial taste brings a tingling sensation, like pins and needles. Once that initial zing subsides, baking spices emerge, well-balanced with cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixed with orange zest, caramel, and vanilla sweet cream. Over time, the dram becomes sweeter and smoother, while the body remains medium-dense and viscous. Finish: A soft, woody finish with hints of milk chocolate, Irish tea, toasted coconut, and a sprinkle of cinnamon spice. The blended finish lingers, capping off the crescendo of aromas and flavors. Overall: As with any good spirit, time is beneficial. This OESK blend starts slightly rough and spicy on the palate. As time passes, the dynamic, somewhat chaotic qualities begin to settle, and the spirit finds its balance, becoming a refined, smooth, and easy sipper. From start to finish, it's an enjoyable experience. [$50][88/100][Tasted: 4/11/25]

I recently acquired Four Roses Single Barrel OESK, part of their newest release, at 100 proof. It really showcases the appeal of these specific mash bill and yeast combinations. Initially, the aroma presented significant sweetness, featuring vanilla, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, alongside pleasant red fruit notes of cherry and a whisper of raspberry. The nose was inviting, lacking any harshness. The palate, however, immediately delivered a noticeable spice, complemented by robust oak and a subtle char, providing texture and complexity without excessive bitterness. The char was present but restrained, allowing other flavors to emerge. What stood out was the finish; it was remarkably smooth given the palate's spice. The flavors mellowed into a prolonged, gentle decline of caramel, sustained vanilla, and mild oak. It was exceptionally clean and comforting, with no unpleasant sharpness. Overall, this OESK is well-balanced and enjoyable served neat or with ice. For newcomers exploring Four Roses' ten recipes, it's an excellent entry point. Established fans will recognize its quality. It's worth purchasing if available. I rate it 92/100. It was well-received at our New Year's Eve event.

The aroma presents sugary corn, milk chocolate, spun sugar, baked apples, crystallized ginger, and a touch of honeysuckle. The alcohol presence is pleasingly low. The taste mirrors the chocolate from the aroma, alongside almond, cherry, nutmeg, orange peel, and caramel. The flavors possess a good richness and are harmoniously combined. The finish, of moderate duration, begins with cinnamon sugar, wood, tea leaves, and mint, as the chocolate from the aroma transforms into dusty cocoa powder. White pepper remains after all other tastes have faded. The texture is full-bodied and smooth. Alright, this is more like it; considerably better than the OESO previously tasted. It exhibits a good level of complexity without any significant drawbacks. For $49.99, this is worthy of a repurchase.

An elegant Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey created by Master Distiller Brent Elliott in Kentucky. It's made with a mash bill of 75% Corn, 20% Rye & 5% Malted Barley using yeast K. It has an aromatic beginning with notes of grains, wood, fruits, nuts, herbs & spices; a delicate middle adds hints of pear, vanilla & brown sugar; leading to a balanced, medium-length finish with hints of orange zest, oak, honey, cinnamon, peanut & mint. April 2024

I like the rather unrefined heat and spice. Full-on caramel, a bit of green smoke. The aroma didn't necessarily evoke "baking spice" or "tea leaves" for me. It seemed somewhat dusty on the nose, but perhaps that was just my glass. Body was good, but not perfect.

Nose: milky chocolate, botanical notes, some tannins Palate: more of that sweet milky chocolate, apple, a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg. There's a subtle rye spice in the finish along with baking spices, and more sweetness and oak in the finish. It's very drinkable.