Four Roses Question

[Guy Debord]

Hi All,

I have a Four Roses 125th Anniversary Gift Set Single Barrel OBSK aged 9 years and a Single Barrel Barrel Strength OESK that I picked up yesterday aged 10 years.

1) I've heard that the single barrel in always OBSV, but for the 125th did they bottle other recipes for kicks?

2) Who's had the SB Barrel Strength OESK? Any thoughts? At that proof would these two make for a good side by side spectrum comparison or would they be too different (age, recipe, and proof)? It's my understanding that E is lower rye and K is the boldest Four Roses flavor and B is the highest rye?

Just curious for thoughts or reactions on how these two spectrums would taste? I guess a head to head would be best at the same age and barrel strength.

My initial taste of SB OBSK 9 yo a few months back was very impressive. It was the first time I had Four Roses in over 3 years and wow did this one deliver. So many great bold and spicy characteristics. Nice heat on the chest--extremely satisfying pour.

[callmeox]

All 10 Four Roses recipes are available as barrel strength through their single barrel program. Retailer and individual/group purchases have covered all 10 recipes so they are out there for the hunt.

As far as OBSV, that's the standard recipe for the 100 proof bottling of Four Roses single barrel. This is their standard release product along with the yellow label and small batch.

There is a Four Roses ten recipes sticky thread with oodles of details on their stuff. Check it out as it should answer many of your questions.

[Guy Debord]

I know OBSV is the standard SB, but my 125th SB is OBSK, did anyone see any of those around in 2013?

I'm also curious about OESK v. OBSK comparisons.

I'll find the thread.

[AaronWF]

Did you get these at Binny's? Binny's picks barrels of all 10 recipes every year or two. I had their recent OBSK and thought it was quite good. Haven't had their OESK. I'm not sure what you are referring to by the 125th Anniversary Gift Set... The only 125th Anniversary bottlings I was aware of were the 2013 Limited Edition 1B OBSK that was 13yo and the 2013 LESmB that has the 125th Anniversary moniker on the label. The LE1B doesn't have the moniker, but it mentions the 125th Anniversary on the back of the bottles.

It certainly makes sense to taste an OBSK and OESK side by side, but in my experience, the best way to compare 4R is to see who picked the barrel and where the barrel aged.

[Guy Debord]

Hi,

Thanks!

In 2013, I ran across a 125th Anniversary gift set with two rocks glasses that read 125th and an SB OBSK 9yo. It's wonderful, but just curious if others saw it.

The SB BS OESK was the last one that I could find in Chicagoland (I waited too long to spring for one). It's a Binny's Highland Park pick. After looking at the recipes I realized that OESK would be a foil to my OBSK, only issue is barrel strength and age. Just wondering who has played this tasting game before. I think the best situation would be to, as you suggest Aaron, get an SB BS OBSK from the same store and throw them together like that.

Anyway just a thought.

[callmeox]

I know OBSV is the standard SB, but my 125th SB is OBSK, did anyone see any of those around in 2013?

I'm also curious about OESK v. OBSK comparisons.

I'll find the thread.

What is the proof on that bottle?

I would have linked you to the FR thread but Tapatalk makes that difficult.

Edited April 15, 2014 by callmeox

[Guy Debord]

The SB OBSK 125th Anniversary is 100 proof.

Looks like this:

http://caskers.com/product/four-roses-single-barrel-kentucky-straight-bourbon-125th-anniversary-gift-pack/

[theglobalguy]

They had a mislabeling on those gift sets it is OBSV;

http://www.fourrosesbourbon.com/2013/11/01/correction-to-box-for-single-barrel-gift-pack/

[tanstaafl2]

The SB OBSK 125th Anniversary is 100 proof.

Looks like this:

http://caskers.com/product/four-roses-single-barrel-kentucky-straight-bourbon-125th-anniversary-gift-pack/

I am surprised that your bottle is an OBSK. I would have expected it to be the typical OBSV found in all of the standard Single Barrel 100 proof bottles. I saw these in the store a while back but didn't buy one and presumed they were OBSV. Pretty sure I checked and confirmed that but can't remember for certain. Unfortunately that website doesn't specify the mashbill.

[Guy Debord]

Woh, total mind blower! Okay then, OBSV is really good! I can agree with all the enjoyment.

There goes the OESK / OBSK comparison idea.

Thanks!

[callmeox]

Great catch on the mislabel clarification as that makes much more sense.

100 proof OBSV under the standard single barrel label has been as constant as the sun rising in the east. Any variance from that would have been shocking.

[Quantum]

As much as I love the LE and private barrel selections, the standard single barrel is just darn good bourbon. With a case price of about $30 a bottle, it is a bargain. Every time I complain about some other bourbon changing and getting more expensive, this one reminds me there are still a few gems left.

[Guy Debord]

As much as I love the LE and private barrel selections, the standard single barrel is just darn good bourbon. With a case price of about $30 a bottle, it is a bargain. Every time I complain about some other bourbon changing and getting more expensive, this one reminds me there are still a few gems left.

[TunnelTiger]

It is very good standard easy-to-find bourbon. I can't get into the whole hunting and seeking out rare super special game. The SB BS OESK is about as expensive and outrageous as I'll get with my money.

Thanks for all the help here. If anyone does do an OESK / OBSK face-off let me know.

Best,

[GaryT]

I've done taste comparisons of OBSV (a standard FRSB offering), OBSO, and OBSK - with the last two diluted down to 100 proof. I can't level the playing field when it comes to age, but I was interested in understanding the yeast variation, and if my poor palate could distinguish between them. Was sorta hoping I couldn't so I wouldn't have to fret about it It was definitely a lot of fun, and I would recommend it if you have the chance. I've also done the same thing with an OBSV and an OESV (diluted to 100 proof) to experience the mashbill difference. I was really stunned by that, as I prefer higher rye bourbons typically - but I really preferred the OESV over the OBSV. Again, single barrels so who knows, but the whole thing has always been a lot of fun!

[mbroo5880i]

I bought one of the mislabeled gift sets. I was disappointed, or was I?

I also prefer higher rye bourbons but I have an OESK that is great! I am looking to pick up another and an OBSK soon, just to compare.

[clingman71]

I will preface this, I am not the biggest fan of 4R bourbon. I love the place, and I get why people love it, it just doesn't quite do it for me. That being said, I have a summer 2013 GS OESK that is really solid, probably the best 4R I've had.

[Paddy]

That looks like '13 holiday season gift set. I picked one up at Liquor Barn for roughly what the single barrel usually sells for by itself. Its a great value and I should have bought a few more, as both the bourbon and glasses are fantastic.

[hectic1]

I've been known to drink some FR's every once in a while...I had some OBSO, OESQ, OESK, and OBSF last night getting ready for a couple barrel selections next week. I typically prefer the E over the B as the higher rye add spice and masks some of the subtleties of the yeast strains.

[Guy Debord]

I've done taste comparisons of OBSV (a standard FRSB offering), OBSO, and OBSK - with the last two diluted down to 100 proof. I can't level the playing field when it comes to age, but I was interested in understanding the yeast variation, and if my poor palate could distinguish between them. Was sorta hoping I couldn't so I wouldn't have to fret about it It was definitely a lot of fun, and I would recommend it if you have the chance. I've also done the same thing with an OBSV and an OESV (diluted to 100 proof) to experience the mashbill difference. I was really stunned by that, as I prefer higher rye bourbons typically - but I really preferred the OESV over the OBSV. Again, single barrels so who knows, but the whole thing has always been a lot of fun!

This is great!

Thanks all, I am happy to learn that my misprinted gift set is actually OBSV (and yes, I wish I would have bought more of the giftset too). As much as I like the idea of OBSK (being the boldest 4R recipe), I believe in tasting the standard offerings first to have perspective.

When first getting into this, I never thought I would be a high rye person, but all that has changed. I'm learning that I like a lot more bourbon than I once thought I would. Four Roses is pretty fascinating stuff, it's not my favorite, but it's great!

[tanstaafl2]

This is great!

Thanks all, I am happy to learn that my misprinted gift set is actually OBSV (and yes, I wish I would have bought more of the giftset too). As much as I like the idea of OBSK (being the boldest 4R recipe), I believe in tasting the standard offerings first to have perspective.

When first getting into this, I never thought I would be a high rye person, but all that has changed. I'm learning that I like a lot more bourbon than I once thought I would. Four Roses is pretty fascinating stuff, it's not my favorite, but it's great!

Four Roses is generally pretty responsive. Has anybody contacted them about the apparent misprint on this gift set to confirm it is in fact the usual OBSV and not OBSK? I presume the bottle has OBSK printed on it somewhere? You never know I suppose.

[Ejmharris]

I don't recall what thread it was in but someone did contact 4R's and they confirmed the misprint.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[callmeox]

The link above is directly to their website. The misprint is on the box and not the bottle, IIRC

[Phil T]

I don't recall what thread it was in but someone did contact 4R's and they confirmed the misprint.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

And also FR emailed Mellow Moments members and told them of the error

FWIW..I had to post something to get off of post #666

Edited April 16, 2014 by Phil T

[Lost Pollito]

FWIW..I had to post something to get off of post #666

That's just to darn funny.