Four Roses Private Selection Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon

Lukas KCMO, 2018. OESK 10y2m. 115.2. Been open quite a while, half full. Was challenged by this pour at the start and been slow to embrace. Long past time for a formal tasting. Well... sort of. Wish I was kidding, but am tasting neat from a previously-filled pint glass. Desperate times... An attractive deep orange-brown. Modest weight and sheeting. Very fruity nose with red hots, brown sugar and caramel. Zesty and notably vegetal. Not gentle, but a huge + on the score sheet. Spicy all day. Pleasing viscosity. A mild sweetness carries the full length of the tasting but takes a clear backseat to assertive tongue spice. Some cream. Lemon drop, then cinnamon mingles with hot pepper capsaicin. A wave of caramel. Right back to the hot salsa tongue tingle. Mellows with bubble gum, more lemon, and pecan pie. Bitter grapefruit peel. Cinnamon returns through the long finish. Lingering lactose. Torn on this one. 100% good whiskey. Probably even great to certain palates. But maybe not mine? Academically, I can appreciate this, but my admitted sweet tooth yearns for the (slightly) cheaper ECBP. I will enjoy this bottle but would not repurchase at the typical 4RSiB SP price (usually $70+ these days). I've had other recipes that were a better match for my palate.

Jumanji OESK

Receipt OESQ and 122.8 proof was the one I had. It is top notch. My favorite 4R I’ve had and one of my favorite bourbons. It’s sweet then heat.