Where to Begin with the FR Recipes

[Quintilian]

I'm a fan of Four Roses, yet I still haven't tried the single barrel limited release offerings because I'm cheap. I'm a tightwad. Taking the step from paying 30something for ER10 or WTRB to 50something is a big step for this frugal dude.

In the future, I will be celebrating a major accomplishment and I plan to treat myself to buying one of the FR offerings, but I don't know where to start. I've had the standard FRSB offering, which I believe is OBSV. I like it at lot. But I'd rather try one of the other nine recipes because I haven't had those.

Can you recommend which one to start with?

For a context for recommendations, some of my favorite bourbons are BT, EWSB, EWBiB, EC12, ER10, and OGDBiB. As wheated bourbons go, I enjoy Larceny, MM, and Weller Special Reserve.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[393foureyedfox]

im not a fan, but since you are....I dont think youre gonna go wrong with any of them. 10 different bourbons, offered at high/barrel proof in the $50's, and widely popular, its got a lot going for it. Find a nice restaurant that offers some of them and give them a try and narrow your focus down to one or two and buy them.

[Paddy]

This is what your looking for.

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?22627-Pick-your-favorite-Four-Roses-Single-Barrel-recipe

[garbanzobean]

I enjoy all the ones I've tried, with OESF (a store select, not the LE SB) being my least favorite out of the ones I've tried. I notice that as opposed to a particular recipe, I prefer the ones with a proof of around 114 or less. Seems like the flavors are more concentrated, and I can generally enjoy them neat or with a touch of water. You're probably going to get about a thousand different opinions on this, so I say good luck. If you're buying these in person, ask to try the ones that interest you most. Worst they can do is say no.

[ramblinman]

I think I've had 4 of the 5 OBs at this point, looks like your tastes are pretty wide with some higher corn and higher rye and wheater mentions. I'd say you could do a lot worse than starting out with OBSK. Its a delicious rye-forward smack in the mouth and you can't go wrong with it. Different enough to be worth it for a celebration.

And on the pricing, all things considered with the barrel proof in 4RSB selections you're not really coming out too much more expensive than ER10, EC12, and MM.

Edited October 22, 2014 by ramblinman

[wmpevans]

OBSK

OESO

My favorites and you'll be getting a high rye, and lower rye recipe.

[GaryT]

I tried to predict which my favorites would be based on other preferences, but the fact that it is single barrel throws a big curveball out there (or did for me). On the plus side, I haven't bought one yet that I didn't think was worth the money (and some I thought were absolute steals for the dough!) The one I specifically hunted out to try was OBSO, as I like a lot of rye in my bourbon, but also like sweetness. The one I got hit the mark. I thought that an OESO would be even sweeter with more corn, and this wasn't the case - but I still have several bottles of it as it really hit me squarely. I would start by figuring out if you want to go B or E first, and then just read the yeast descriptions and pick what looks tasty. Assuming you can get all 10 (if not, grab whatever one is available!)

[flaminiom]

I think they're all good, but generally I seem to favor K and V yeasts in both recipes. It's a personal preference thing. Try them all. One of the best things going in Bourbon that you can actually walk in and buy, IMO.

[BFerguson]

OESV here. I like the big nomb that OBSK can bring, but there is something more subtle and deft to this recipe

Good luck

[jvd99]

I've bought bottles of all 10 at some point or another and have never regretted any of them. Ask your local store if they have any of their store selects open for sampling - that way you'll be sampling the exact barrel you will purchase. This will be more instructive than trying them at a bar because every barrel is different, even within the same recipe - and its free which should appeal to your frugal disposition

[Renegator]

In my opinion the F and Q yeast strains can be hit or miss on a single barrel. The K, O and V strains are a little more consistent. If you try any of these three in either the B or E recipe - I don't think you will be disappointed. Again, just one man's opinion.

[tanstaafl2]

In my opinion the F and Q yeast strains can be hit or miss on a single barrel. The K, O and V strains are a little more consistent. If you try any of these three in either the B or E recipe - I don't think you will be disappointed. Again, just one man's opinion.

But when it is a hit (F in particular) it can be a pretty big hit!

[mbroo5880i]

A lot of great insight! I agree that, while good, the F and Q recipes can be a little inconsistent when compared to the other the other recipes. I also agree that when they hit, they hit big! I have an OESF that I love. I find the O recipes to be bland. I would suggest OESK or OBSK as a next step from OBSV. There are some great ones out there!

[Quintilian]

Thanks for all of the advice, folks. I appreciate it.