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

OESK (10 yr 3 mo 115.6 proof) vs OBSK (9 yr 10 mo 110 proof) matchup being recorded here. Never had either before this. OESK nose: light and corny. Some caramel as well. Looks like classic bourbon notes. OBSK nose: spicy initially. Little more rye on this nose. OESK palate: rich. Coats the mouth immediately. Very spicy, very bold. Some caramel on the second go too. OBSK palate: a lot more caramel on the first go. Spice is definitely there but not as punchy as the OESK. Orangy and zesty too on the last few sips. OESK finish: very long and spicy. OBSK finish: pretty long and spicy finish but not quite as long as the OESK finish. Overall: not too bad but not my favorite of the recipes so far. Both of these are fairly the same. I think the higher proof brings out the flavors a bit more with this recipe. Both sweetness and spice so I’ll have to choose the OESK.

Rating: 3.70/5 (10 year, 5 month. 115 proof) Nose: Really nice nose with notes of dried cherries, vanilla, light caramel, honey, clove, and cinnamon. Palate: A very spicy palate with notes of red berry, cherry, leather, tobacco, pepper, cinnamon, and oak. This has been one of the spicier Four Roses selections I have had. Definitely a tongue tingling pour that feels overly spicy considering the proof point. Very solid mouth feel. Finish: The finish is very long, and you guessed it, very spicy. The spice is followed by red berry and a dark/slightly bitter chocolate on the finish. Overall: I really wanted to like this one more than I did, but the spiciness of the palate and finish took away from the overall experience for me personally. I seem to prefer the profile of the OESV/OBSV/OESO recipes a bit more than OESK.

* Review Date: 2021-11-03 * 58.3% ABV * Age: 10 years, 5 months * Acquired: CashWise * Price: $75 * Nose: * Astringent * Spicy and peppery * Light fruit notes * Light oak * Vanilla * Overall, nothing really strong * Taste: * Sweet * Light spice * Light burnt sugar * Delicate * Light floral notes * Finish * No burn * Alcohol evaporates cleanly * Light caramel * Clean palate * Notes: * Easy drinking bourbon with floral notes. Quite a pleasant supper. The nose is confusing to me as it is light and changes based on distance from the glass. Overall, I really enjoy it. Definitely a buy again if I get lucky enough to find it again. * Rating: * 8.5 (close to an all-time favorite, would definitely buy again)

Good juice, just higher rye and I’m not a huge fan of rye. I was able to try this during a very long night of whiskey tasting, but I was unfortunately unable to take good notes. I use the rating scale below. 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

Received a sample from a friend. Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium-dark amber. Nose: Vanilla with some floral notes and a hint of fruit. Palate: Cinnamon and baking spice with a healthy dose of spearmint and clove. Finish: Long and very hot. Splash: A few drops of water calms the spicier notes, but no new flavors are revealed. Overall: 8/10 - The finish is the star of this show, although the spicy palate makes me think this could stand up to an ice cube or a mixer without losing much flavor. The scarcity prevents me from keeping this on my bar.

This bourbon opens up and evolves an incredible amount over 20 minutes. It was really fascinating going three tastes with it because it was different every time. Listed below in order or aromas and tastes over those 20 minutes. Nose: sweet grain, honey, pepper, pecan, vanilla, oak. Then it got pretty awesome... melon, citrus zest, orange Palate: pepper, cinnamon. Strong on the front then tapers to a tannic middle, baking spice, black tea, cedar, wheat.