I recently had the opportunity to try Four Roses OESF, a cask-strength, single barrel bourbon that features Four Roses’ OESF recipe. The OESF mash bill is known for its minty, fruity, and full-bodied flavor profile.
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Four Roses OESF Overview
As a whiskey enthusiast, I was excited to try the Four Roses OESF. This particular bourbon is a single barrel release from Four Roses, featuring their OESF recipe. Here’s what I learned about this whiskey.
photo credit: www.fourrosesbourbon.com
Product History
Four Roses is a well-known bourbon brand that has been around since the late 1800s. The brand was originally created by Paul Jones Jr. in 1888, and it quickly became popular in the United States. In 1943, Seagram’s bought the brand, and it remained under their ownership until 2002, when it was sold to Kirin Brewery Company. Today, Four Roses is known for its unique ten-recipe bourbon, which is made up of different combinations of yeast strains and mash bills.
The OESF recipe, in particular, is known for its fragrant tobacco notes and sweet flavors. It’s made up of 20% rye, 75% corn, and 5% malted barley, and it’s aged for 12 years before being bottled.
Price Range
The Four Roses OESF is a premium bourbon, and it comes with a price tag to match. On average, you can expect to pay around $75–150 for a bottle of this whiskey. However, prices can vary depending on where you live and where you purchase your whiskey from.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
The aroma of Four Roses Private Selection OESF 12 Year is delightful. The fragrant tobacco stands out and adds a unique dimension to the scent. The nose is also filled with notes of orange, vanilla, fennel, and mint. The scent of lightly toasted oak and cinnamon is also present, making it an inviting and complex aroma.
Flavor
The flavor profile of Four Roses Private Selection OESF 12 Year is incredibly sweet and complex. The palate is filled with notes of caramel, white sugar, peach, and licorice. The flavor of tobacco is also present, which is a unique characteristic of this bourbon. The flavors of cinnamon and mint add a pleasant spicy kick to the sweetness.
Finish
The finish of Four Roses Private Selection OESF 12 Year is long and satisfying. The flavors of caramel and tobacco linger on the palate, while the spiciness of cinnamon and mint fades away. The finish is smooth and leaves a pleasant aftertaste.
Rating
Overall, Four Roses Private Selection OESF 12 Year is an excellent bourbon. It is complex, sweet, and spicy, making it a perfect sipping bourbon. The price point is on the higher side, but it is well worth the money. I would rate it 8.5 out of 10.
Mixing and Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixers, I prefer to keep it simple and let the bourbon shine. However, if you’re looking to add a little extra flavor, a splash of soda water or ginger ale can be a great addition. The carbonation helps to bring out the flavors and aromas of the bourbon without overwhelming it.
photo credit: www.fourrosesbourbon.com
Cocktail Suggestions
If you’re looking to mix up a cocktail with Four Roses OESF, I recommend trying a classic Old Fashioned. The sweetness of the sugar and bitters pairs perfectly with the spicy and fruity notes of the bourbon. Another great option is a Boulevardier, which is similar to a Negroni but with bourbon instead of gin.
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Food Pairings
When it comes to food pairings, Four Roses OESF pairs well with rich and savory dishes. Think grilled steak, roasted pork, or hearty stews. The spicy and fruity notes of the bourbon help to cut through the richness of the food and bring out the flavors. For dessert, try pairing it with a dark chocolate or caramel dessert for a decadent treat.
Conclusion
Four Roses OESF is a complex and flavorful bourbon that is definitely worth trying. The fragrant tobacco notes and sweet flavors of caramel, white sugar, and vanilla make for a unique and enjoyable drinking experience.
I would recommend giving Four Roses OESF a try if you’re a fan of complex and flavorful bourbons. It’s a unique and enjoyable drinking experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Related Posts
If you enjoyed Four Roses OESF, you might also like these other whiskey reviews:
- Claxton’s Auchroisk 25 Years Old 1991: Aged for 25 years, this whiskey has a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of fruit and spice.
- Black Bull 21 Years Old: This blend of single malt and grain whiskeys has a smooth and mellow taste with hints of vanilla and caramel.
- Bruichladdich’s Laddie Eight Port Charlotte 2007 CC01: This heavily peated Islay whiskey has a bold and smoky flavor with notes of sea salt and iodine.
- Wemyss Malts Summer Releases: This collection of single cask whiskeys includes a variety of flavors, from sweet and fruity to spicy and smoky.
- Weekly Review: Wemyss Malts’ Spring Single Cask Releases: Delve into Wemyss Malts’ spring release of six exquisite single cask whiskies, including a 35-year-old Caol Ila, offering detailed tasting notes and a glimpse into the world of premium single cask expressions.
