View Full Version : Your #1 fave 4R SB bottle?
humchan2k
09-22-2011, 19:08
I just got a brand new botle of K&L's special 9.1 year old Four Roses Single Barrel Private Selection (birthday present to myself!) today, and boy....it doesn't suck. It coats the glass beautifully, has great aroma, and is lingering and gorgeous.
I got an OESQ bottle, at 9.1, and 112 proof...one ice cube, and it's off to the races. You can sit and smell it for a long time and you'll keep getting new smells. This delish juice got me thinking: what's the best single barrel bottle of 4R I've ever had? While this is magnificent, and easily the best bourbon I've bought in awhile, it's not my fave, ( I hated the '09 Mariage, for some odd reason....) I think I really prefer the OB mash, cuz of the higher rye content....
So, what's your favorite 4R SB you've ever had? I think mine was the dram I got at a bar in Seattle (who knows about Zig Zag Cafe?!?!) that served me an 8 year OBSX (forget the yeast) private label back around '08.
callmeox
09-22-2011, 19:52
The Oscar/Tony standard 100 proof SB from the Thoroghbred Shoppe in Lexington is the hands down best FRSB I have ever tasted. Glad to have a couple more in the bunker.
I have only one more of those infamous Curtis/Hightower selections.
It was the best 100prf 4R1B I have ever had.
Followed by a selection made by Liquor City in Covington KY.
Last Spring I came across a couple that had the most sweet and fruity flavor of any 4R1B 100prf from the Warehouse US and Barrel No 10-2A and 10-1D.
But my all time favorites are the 2008 & '09 Maraige.
Followed by Binny's Barrel Strength selections of OESO & OBSK recipes.
Not had as many 4R variations as others here so the Binny's OBSK barrel strength followed by a 100 proof Binny's # 3 from a few years back. Went through 3 of those # 3s.
sailor22
09-23-2011, 04:36
My fav is an OBSK that the EBSG did through Ledgers. Their first 4RSB, I think it was barrel #3.
DeanSheen
09-23-2011, 11:12
The Curtis/Hightower is outstanding. It would be great if the band could get together again!
The Oscar/Tony is not bad either!
Rob we cant'. Paul is dead.
http://www.beatlesagain.com/images/newimproved.gif
I'm only a recent convert to the Four Roses line, but the 100th Anniversary bottle was a real stunner: 17 year OBSV that I was sad to pour my last from last night, as a matter of fact. I hope to find another bottle. So far, my favorite SB recipe that's not an LE is OBSQ, bottled by Binny's; a perfect balance of full honey-caramel sweetness and absolutely unique astringency.
I've been mixing my Binny's OBSF with the standard release Small Batch to great affect: adds a beautiful depth to the SmB while broadening all the high notes of the OBSF.
I have an 08 Mariage, '10 LE SmB, '11 LE SB and a Binny's OESQ waiting for room to open up in my open bottle cabinet.
I've had too many outstanding 4R SB to name an avsolute favorite. It's my favorite FR product.
Pirate762
10-01-2011, 17:25
I agree with Stu on this.
I'm currently loving the OBSK K&L selected last year (bottling at 62% ABV certainly helps).
( I hated the '09 Mariage, for some odd reason....)
Jim Rutledge wasn't too fond of the '09 Mariage either. Apparently the "mariage" had a little more of the 19 year old bourbon than what he had previously approved.
StraightNoChaser
01-20-2012, 10:47
Haven't had the opportunity to try a lot of these indie bottlings but I can tell you I have had and adore the 100th anniversary LE
I love the Jim Rutledge Shopper's Vineyard bottle... But I think my favorite comes from Schneider's of Capitol Hill - their store bottling is among the most floral, sweet and enjoyable SB's I've had.
TPS & Binny's also do a great job.
Old Lamplighter
01-20-2012, 15:43
Thus far, it is Binny's OESO which I am sad to say is now deceased. Once I open my '09 Mariage and recently acquired Gift Shop OBSV 16yo, I may have to make a difficult reassessment.
Wall Eye
01-20-2012, 20:50
Very little 4R experience yet but I've enjoyed the regular 4RSB and I had read a lot of good opinions on the obsk so had to give TPS OBSK a try. 62.6 abv - aged 10 yrs, 7 months. The first thing I noticed was how much darker it was. Big rye, big abv, and intense flavors that make your mouth light up and your tongue say howdy!
It's not subtle stuff but I'm liking it a lot and feel it was well worth the $48. I've been enjoying it neat in small doses so far, but thinking I might play with a tiny bit of water with this one to pick up even more flavors.
Rich
irongambit
01-20-2012, 21:09
found a couple of bottles of the 2009 LE this week one the shelf...quite tasty stuff. This is my new favorite 4R (for now).
Lost Pollito
01-21-2012, 13:35
I'm a sucker for any OBSK.
bad_scientist
01-21-2012, 14:26
I'm a sucker for any OBSK.
Have you been able to compare yours with some other labels? Not "better" or "worse", but comparisons of the profiles. I've only had the new Party Source bottling and find it delicious. I'm asking because the wife and I will visit Chicago in a couple of months and I've reserved the back of the car for Binny's whiskey :)
trumpstylz
01-21-2012, 16:21
Have you been able to compare yours with some other labels? Not "better" or "worse", but comparisons of the profiles. I've only had the new Party Source bottling and find it delicious. I'm asking because the wife and I will visit Chicago in a couple of months and I've reserved the back of the car for Binny's whiskey :)
For the most part (90% of the time), you can't go wrong with the binny's hand picked stuff.
Also- the South loop and the Lincoln park locations have all bottlings available to sample IIRC. Other locations might as well.
I love the Jim Rutledge Shopper's Vineyard bottle... But I think my favorite comes from Schneider's of Capitol Hill - their store bottling is among the most floral, sweet and enjoyable SB's I've had.
TPS & Binny's also do a great job.
I love Schneiders also. The first toime I bought it, I didnt know it was their own selection. The second time I went back they told me they sleected it themselves. I said great, which recipe is it from, and he looked at me like I was crazy. I was probably talking to the wrong person, maybe I will try and go back and se who knows. Hopefully someone will.
I love Schneiders also. The first toime I bought it, I didnt know it was their own selection. The second time I went back they told me they sleected it themselves. I said great, which recipe is it from, and he looked at me like I was crazy. I was probably talking to the wrong person, maybe I will try and go back and se who knows. Hopefully someone will.
I believe they just kind of fell into it... The owner knows what it is, and pushed it on me pretty hard when I bought some other stuff from him (like Vintage Rye) by mail order. He gave me a good deal on it (like $38?) so I was very happy before I even tasted it.
I can't for the life of me recall the recipe now - I think it was an OBSK. Super sweet and floral. Good stuff, and I believe he still has more...
Lost Pollito
01-23-2012, 13:50
Have you been able to compare yours with some other labels? Not "better" or "worse", but comparisons of the profiles. I've only had the new Party Source bottling and find it delicious. I'm asking because the wife and I will visit Chicago in a couple of months and I've reserved the back of the car for Binny's whiskey :)
I haven't had the opportunity to try other handpick's. However, I would assume they'd be relatively close in character, as they age a little more consistently and controlled than others. The smaller ricks and such. If you swing by the S. Loop, let me know and I'll have a taste of OBSK waiting for you. :grin:
trumpstylz
01-23-2012, 18:54
Okay, it might have just been the Lincoln park location that had all the bottles (it was a while ago though)
I have a 120th Anniversary that I think is OBSK--has some sweetness to it.
I think the Highland Park Binny's had 9 on the shelf the other day.
I'd love to do a sit down of all of them.
LikeItWasSodaPop
03-25-2012, 23:38
Just posting as AaronWF's editor. Correction: please replace "affect" with "effect" in Aaron's post on the first page. Thanks.
As AaronWF's editor, I apologize for taking this long to notice his error.
OK, I realize this is probably too obtuse for y'all. I am making fun of Aaron for mistaking "affect" for "effect."
coltcannon
03-27-2012, 14:25
I adore TPS OESO but am looking to get a OB**, anyone got suggestions?
TradingBoiler
03-30-2012, 11:09
Not had as many 4R variations as others here so the Binny's OBSK barrel strength followed by a 100 proof Binny's # 3 from a few years back. Went through 3 of those # 3s.
I'm going with the Binny's #3 as well. I bought the last of the OBSV 100 prf that they had at the Lincoln Park store two weeks ago. All three now sit in the bunker. Best 4R pick imo!
CorvallisCracker
04-13-2012, 14:09
I've not tried any of the special bottlings, but then, have made no effort to obtain any. Probably because I wasn't all that impressed by the standard 4R SB. When that showed up in OR in 2009 I ran right out and bought a bottle...and was disappointed.
With all the love expressed for 4R SB here, I guess I was expecting to see God.
Instead I saw Chuck Cowdery. :eek:
Restaurant man
04-19-2012, 21:11
I've not tried any of the special bottlings, but then, have made no effort to obtain any. Probably because I wasn't all that impressed by the standard 4R SB. When that showed up in OR in 2009 I ran right out and bought a bottle...and was disappointed.
With all the love expressed for 4R SB here, I guess I was expecting to see God.
Instead I saw Chuck Cowdery. :eek:
Go get 2011 limited small batch... It'll change your life :shocked:
CorvallisCracker
05-04-2012, 14:36
Go get 2011 limited small batch... It'll change your life :shocked:
Darn. Not the response I was hoping for.
:skep:
Anyway, when I say "effort to obtain any" I definitely mean effort. Because Oregon is one of those flavors of control state where the only buyer is the state itself. A distiller/importer must convince the OLCC to carry a specific product. For limited production items, many companies don't feel it's worth the trouble.
So all we get here is YL, the standard SmB and standard SB.
But I'll be in Cal in June, and keep an eye out for it.
BourbonJoe
05-05-2012, 09:41
They had a 17 y/o OBSV Barrel Proof in the gift shop recently. I didn't open it yet, but I'm expecting great things.
Joe :usflag:
They had a 17 y/o OBSV Barrel Proof in the gift shop recently. I didn't open it yet, but I'm expecting great things.
Joe :usflag:
Drinking the OBSV gift shop bottle right now and it is very good. Of the few that I've tried, OBSV and OESO remain my favorite mashbills (with my favorite single bottle being from a private barrel OESO).
scubadoo97
05-09-2012, 16:20
Drinking a OESO right now and boy is it tasty
2011 Paws and Claws Four Roses OESO - 56.1% ..... this was an amazing barrel... that IMO bests the 40th...
luther.r
05-10-2012, 08:32
2011 Paws and Claws Four Roses OESO - 56.1% ..... this was an amazing barrel... that IMO bests the 40th...
That gets my vote for #1 4R bottle with an animal blowing smoke rings.
2011 Paws and Claws Four Roses OESO - 56.1% ..... this was an amazing barrel... that IMO bests the 40th...
I have that in my top 3...the other two being Paws and Claws OBSK and 1789b OBSV.
yountvillewjs
05-10-2012, 15:27
These OESO's sound awesome. Anyone with a thought/preference to this over OBSK? (And I can read the website, I'm looking for personal experience)
These OESO's sound awesome. Anyone with a thought/preference to this over OBSK? (And I can read the website, I'm looking for personal experience)
I find they're very different in flavor profile. I love them both at their best, but I'm not sure it's going to come down to one recipe is better than the other as much as it is which one tastes best to your palate. There's only one way for you to find out. Binny's has a history of selecting good OESO's. I'm not sure how their current selection is, but might be a good place to start...
These OESO's sound awesome. Anyone with a thought/preference to this over OBSK? (And I can read the website, I'm looking for personal experience)
I had a sample of an OESV and OESO that were both gushing soft corn butter, but all in all, I prefer the more balanced OB profile. OE is sweeter, and like Nivto said, at their best they can be superb. The 2012 LE1B is OESK, so that would be a great one to go up against your OBSK.
My current fave is the most recent 17yo OBSV from the gift shop. I also love Binny's OBSQ.
My current fave is the most recent 17yo OBSV from the gift shop. I also love Binny's OBSQ.
Barrel #2 is damn near perfect (for my taste).
Old Lamplighter
05-17-2012, 22:06
I've been thinking on this question for some time and holding off til I could get a side-by-side tasting of all I have at present. The only one I have held off opening is a 16yo from the gift shop from this past winter. Once I sample that one, I may have to adjust my opinion.
Anyhow, as of the present, I have to give my nod to the latest OBSQ from TPS. Although one of the lower proof offerings I've seen at 98.2, it is absolutely grand in my book :drink: having just the right balance of everything & needing no water. A close 2d would be OBSV from TPS that I am just about to empty :frown:. It came in at 108.2 and adding water to it would be a rotten shame as well.
I've been thinking on this question for some time and holding off til I could get a side-by-side tasting of all I have at present. The only one I have held off opening is a 16yo from the gift shop from this past winter. Once I sample that one, I may have to adjust my opinion.
Anyhow, as of the present, I have to give my nod to the latest OBSQ from TPS. Although one of the lower proof offerings I've seen at 98.2, it is absolutely grand in my book :drink: having just the right balance of everything & needing no water. A close 2d would be OBSV from TPS that I am just about to empty :frown:. It came in at 108.2 and adding water to it would be a rotten shame as well.
The low proof OBSQ from TPS is probably the best OBSQ I have had. For some reason this is a real tough recipe to find great barrels of. Jay has had this one around for a while.... as good as it is I am not sure why it is still there. Possibly folks see the low proof????
dridge11
05-18-2012, 07:15
Cigarnv, that is probably the case. I know I typically lean toward the rye heavy and higher proof stuff, so that one would be down my list without a good recommendation like this
Anyhow, as of the present, I have to give my nod to the latest OBSQ from TPS. Although one of the lower proof offerings I've seen at 98.2, it is absolutely grand in my book :drink: having just the right balance of everything & needing no water.
I've had two OBSQ barrels from Binny's and just ran into a third the other day. They all come in under 110pf and are probably my favorite recipe I've had from Binny's. In my experience, the lower the proof out of the barrel, the better the bourbon, when it comes to FR anyway, though the 17yo gift shop OBSVs that hover right around 110pf are drop dead gorgeous.That 98.2 is damn impressive.
I know I typically lean toward the rye heavy and higher proof stuff, so that one would be down my list without a good recommendation like this
I think OBSQ tends towards the exotic end of FR profile, with medicinal astringency balanced by deep, dark caramel. Go fer it!
I've had two OBSQ barrels from Binny's and just ran into a third the other day. They all come in under 110pf and are probably my favorite recipe I've had from Binny's. In my experience, the lower the proof out of the barrel, the better the bourbon, when it comes to FR anyway, though the 17yo gift shop OBSVs that hover right around 110pf are drop dead gorgeous.That 98.2 is damn impressive.
I think I've got a bottle or two from Four Roses that are in the 112-120 range that might change your opinion on that Aaron! You just have to find the time to get out here to taste them! ;)
I think I've got a bottle or two from Four Roses that are in the 112-120 range that might change your opinion on that Aaron! You just have to find the time to get out here to taste them! ;)
I think you'll find I have a very open mind when it comes to this sort of thing, Bob! Let's make it happen!
I think you'll find I have a very open mind when it comes to this sort of thing, Bob! Let's make it happen! How about next Friday night...say 8ish?
Old Lamplighter
05-18-2012, 13:20
The low proof OBSQ from TPS is probably the best OBSQ I have had. For some reason this is a real tough recipe to find great barrels of. Jay has had this one around for a while.... as good as it is I am not sure why it is still there. Possibly folks see the low proof????
I agree with everything you've said. I think the lower proof barrel proof gets overlooked at times. Also, I think the 2011 LE SB OBSQ got some sour reviews....and, from what Mr. Rutledge said, it may have well deserved it. This may have put a damper on giving OBSQ a chance in a regular single private barreling. I still have not dropped the dough for one of the 2011 LE in either small batch or single barrel. After I read JR's comment about "Q" yeast being a bit more difficult to master & select, I got to thinking about it further in relation to my TPS bottles. At that point, I got a couple more before they were all gone. I hope they get another one very similar and knowing Jay, he might even do better.
BourbonJoe
05-18-2012, 17:16
My favorites are the two 17 y/o's that were recently released at the FR gift shop. OBSV, barrel proof and fantastic.
Joe
In my experience, the lower the proof out of the barrel, the better the bourbon, when it comes to FR anyway
Have you tasted the new 2012 LE OESK? I've only had one pour so far, but my first impression is that it's a very impressive release. I think the bottle I opened was around 120 proof and very rich and flavorful... also, anybody else notice the pattern with Four Roses barrel proof offerings? Barrel proof FR just doesn't drink like most bourbon from other distilleries at barrel proof. I don't know what the secret is, but they are just so drinkable.
My favorites are the two 17 y/o's that were recently released at the FR gift shop. OBSV, barrel proof and fantastic.
Joe
This is a great pair of 17YO's..... we should have gotten a few more Joe!!
Old Lamplighter
05-19-2012, 06:03
... also, anybody else notice the pattern with Four Roses barrel proof offerings? Barrel proof FR just doesn't drink like most bourbon from other distilleries at barrel proof. I don't know what the secret is, but they are just so drinkable.
A very good point indeed. I don't know what it is either but there is definitely something going on there. Somewhere in thread a while back, somebody here made the comment that Jim Rutledge might be today's personification of Pappy. After trying an assortment of 4R offerings, I tend to agree. Maybe a good bit of credit goes toward the yeasts, the recipes, the 2-story warehouses, etc., but, there has to be a master hand guiding same as well as selection oversight. At present, perhaps nobody is doing it better than JR and just maybe the Pappy comment does indeed ring a good bit of truth.
That being said, the Pappy standard is large & legendary and not to be applied lightly. I don't think we are doing that comparing these two masters. I suppose that is why I now have more 4R in my stash than anything else.
Old Lamplighter
05-19-2012, 06:13
What are perceptions and reactions to the OBSK currently offered by TPS? In the description of same, Jay mentions & compares the previous OBSK from TPS. I missed out on that one but understand it was really nice. I got a couple of the current and have one open. I just wonder how it ranks as compared to some popular OBSK barrels from Binny's(?) At 125.2, I am just not sure as yet where I place it in my rankings. I was not overly impressed at first sampling, but, it is getting better slightly over time. Just not sure if I will be getting more at this point.
The only bottle I've ever had from Binny's - thanks to a fellow SB member - was OESO and it was fantastic! I currently have a private bottling of OESO from Buster's (Memphis). It is quite good as well, just slightly less than the Binny's selection.
bad_scientist
05-19-2012, 06:43
What are perceptions and reactions to the OBSK currently offered by TPS? In the description of same, Jay mentions & compares the previous OBSK from TPS. I missed out on that one but understand it was really nice. I got a couple of the current and have one open. I just wonder how it ranks as compared to some popular OBSK barrels from Binny's(?) At 125.2, I am just not sure as yet where I place it in my rankings. I was not overly impressed at first sampling, but, it is getting better slightly over time. Just not sure if I will be getting more at this point.
The only bottle I've ever had from Binny's - thanks to a fellow SB member - was OESO and it was fantastic! I currently have a private bottling of OESO from Buster's (Memphis). It is quite good as well, just slightly less than the Binny's selection.
Bring it down to 50% or so and see what you think, if you haven't already. I liked it a lot at barrel proof, but it was something else entirely with a bit of water. To my palate, it became a lavender rye fruit bomb.
Have you tasted the new 2012 LE OESK? I've only had one pour so far, but my first impression is that it's a very impressive release. I think the bottle I opened was around 120 proof and very rich and flavorful... also, anybody else notice the pattern with Four Roses barrel proof offerings? Barrel proof FR just doesn't drink like most bourbon from other distilleries at barrel proof. I don't know what the secret is, but they are just so drinkable.
I do have a bottle of the 2012 1BLE open, and it's a beaut. Mine is 108.6pf and is nothing but creamy pleasure. I generally prefer the B mashbill, but I'm not complaining when it comes to this one! Also, I agree about barrel-proof FR: I add water to most CS whiskeys, but never, ever do it with FR.
What are perceptions and reactions to the OBSK currently offered by TPS? ... I just wonder how it ranks as compared to some popular OBSK barrels from Binny's(?) At 125.2, I am just not sure as yet where I place it in my rankings. I was not overly impressed at first sampling, but, it is getting better slightly over time. Just not sure if I will be getting more at this point.
I kicked a Binny's OBSK a week or so ago. At 122pf, it was pretty hot when I first opened it - tasty, but less elegant than other bottles I've had. It opened up really nicely with time and space in the bottle, and the last few pours were delectable. I much preferred it to the OBSF I had that was around 124pf.
smokinjoe
05-19-2012, 12:37
The standard off the shelf 4R SB product at 100 proof is tough to beat from these guys. I have to say that has not been a Barrel Proof option that I've enjoyed any more, and frankly have liked several of them less. I'll take the regular bottling every time, and be happy. Of these, McScrooge's did a private standard bottling that was magnificent. Of the Barrel Proofers, I would say the Ledger's/EBSG Barrel #4 10yr OBSK has been the best that I've had. Still, one of the best noses on a whiskey that I've ever experienced.
The standard off the shelf 4R SB product at 100 proof is tough to beat from these guys. I have to say that has not been a Barrel Proof option that I've enjoyed any more, and frankly have liked several of them less. I'll take the regular bottling every time, and be happy. Of these, McScrooge's did a private standard bottling that was magnificent. Of the Barrel Proofers, I would say the Ledger's/EBSG Barrel #4 10yr OBSK has been the best that I've had. Still, one of the best noses on a whiskey that I've ever experienced.
I agree completely Joe. TPS does a private bottling of the standard 1B that is an absolute steal at $31.99, IMHO
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