Four Roses Private Selection Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon

I've tried this twice. Having gotten used to the Four Roses single barrel, which I like very much, this was a bit of an unexpected departure. It's a bit darker caramel color than my single barrel. The nose is strong with a sort of ether, wood, and maple. It hits pretty hard up front, but a little less in subsequent drinks. It's a high proof and that quality comes right through. The burn is there. It gives you a fair kick of spice, but it's rather short-lived. The alcohol is most present aside from a sort of maple syrup and woody flavor. It's not very sweet. Finishes with a little linger of orange peel and wood. Honestly, I like the single barrel better. However, for the experienced bourbon guys who like stronger, stouter drinks, maybe this is better in their opinions. An ice cube made a nice difference for me. The proof in this drink reminds me a little of the Knob Creek 120, which is a very good bourbon, but just a little strong for me to like as a regular drink. It's very good quality drink, but not perfectly aligned to my style. To me, this is kind of a more serious flavor. There is some complexity, but not much. It's not a playful, fruity drink. It's good in sort of a formal bourbon kind of way. Four Roses doesn't ring quite like an alpha male name, but this is an alpha-male drink.

Fantastic barrel - 59.4 ABV, Warehouse 15E, Barrel 44-3C. Spicy first, then sweet, finishes with a beautiful caramel richness, medium long.

sweet, vanilla, butterscotch some spice and bite, hints of orange long nutty finish chocolate