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

Floral, sweet, subtle and smooth

Cherry, leather

Creamy smooth and complex. Nice flavor.

So good. I don’t know why I don’t reach for Four Roses more often. This single barrel is exceptional. The nose is really soft with fruit. Lots of spice on the front end with oak on the finish.

As I selected this bottle and find the OSBV on the label, I am reminded about the numerous mash bills Four Roses uses. They go into great detail at the distillery discussing mash bills. FR bourbons are frequently featured at charity benefits here and my attitude has been good but not worth writing home about. High rye is a mixed bag for me with the younger stuff frequently giving me wet grass on the nose but the good ones showing citrus and floral notes. This bottle states 35% rye and seven years, four months. Oh how I love label transparency. Like the label, like the price, here goes. Nice oily texture and the quick take gives me traditional bourbon aromas but no grass, so we are off to a good start. As I get serious about nosing this, the extra dry finish still lingers. Oak and vanilla are in the front and while not overpowering, I am having difficulty identifying what is a layer down. Maybe not highly complex but I like it, it satisfies. The palate comes through with maple sugar overlaying the oak and vanilla, maybe a touch of cinnamon in the background. The aromas and flavors would not make me think this is a high rye bill. For me the finish really lingers. I will describe it as astringent maple sugar if that makes any sense - I love the finish and I'm gonna write home!!