Recently, I had the pleasure of tasting Four Roses Barrel Strength Private Selection OESK and was blown away by its complexity and depth of flavor.

Four Roses OESK Overview

Product History

Four Roses is a well-known and respected bourbon brand that has been around since the late 1800s. The company prides itself on creating unique and flavorful bourbons by using ten different yeast strains and two different mash bills. The OESK is one of Four Roses’ Private Selection bourbons, which are hand-selected by the master distiller for their exceptional flavor profiles.

The OESK is a high-rye bourbon that is made with 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley. The “O” in OESK stands for the distillery’s “venerable” yeast strain, while the “E” stands for the mash bill with a higher percentage of corn. The “S” indicates that the bourbon was distilled at Four Roses’ single-story warehouse in Cox’s Creek, Kentucky, and the “K” represents the specific yeast strain used in the fermentation process.

Price Range

The price of Four Roses OESK varies depending on the location and the retailer. On average, you can expect to pay around $70-$80 for a bottle of this bourbon. However, prices can range from $60 to $100 or more, depending on where you purchase it.

photo credit: www.nestorliquor.com

Tasting Notes

Aroma

The Four Roses OESK has a sweet and spicy aroma with a prominent scent of oak spice. The nose is deep and rich, with a caramel and brown sugar sweetness that is complemented by notes of fruit. There is also a subtle hint of vanilla bean that rounds out the aroma.

Flavor

On the palate, the Four Roses OESK delivers a pleasant wave of spice. The spice is well-balanced with a sweetness that is similar to the aroma, with flavors of caramel and vanilla. There are also notes of dried fruit and a subtle hint of leather that add complexity to the flavor profile.

Finish

The finish of the Four Roses OESK is long and warm, with a lingering spice and sweetness that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. The oak spice continues to be a prominent flavor, with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla that adds smoothness to the finish.

Rating

Four Roses OESK is a well-balanced bourbon with a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and spicy. The aroma is deep and rich, with a sweetness that carries through to the flavor and finish. The finish is long and warm, with a pleasant aftertaste that leaves you wanting more. I would rate this bourbon an 8 out of 10 for its well-balanced flavors and complexity.

Mixing and Pairing

When it comes to mixing and pairing Four Roses OESK, there are a few things to keep in mind. This bourbon has a high rye content, which gives it a spicy kick that can hold up well in cocktails and pairings. Here are some suggestions for the best mixers, cocktail suggestions, and food pairings for Four Roses OESK.

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Best Mixers

When mixing Four Roses OESK, it’s important to choose mixers that can stand up to its spicy flavor profile. Here are some of the best mixers to use with this bourbon:

• Ginger beer
• Lemon juice
• Orange bitters
• Sweet vermouth
• Honey syrup

These mixers can help to balance out the spiciness of Four Roses OESK and bring out its other flavors.

photo credit: www.fourrosesbourbon.com

Cocktail Suggestions

Here are some cocktail suggestions that are perfect for Four Roses OESK:

• Kentucky Mule: Mix Four Roses OESK with ginger beer, lime juice, and a dash of bitters for a refreshing and spicy cocktail.
• Boulevardier: Combine Four Roses OESK with sweet vermouth and Campari for a bitter and complex cocktail that balances out the spiciness of the bourbon.
• Honey Sour: Mix Four Roses OESK with lemon juice and honey syrup for a sweet and sour cocktail that highlights the bourbon’s flavors.

photo credit: freerangestock.com

Food Pairings

When it comes to food pairings, Four Roses OESK pairs well with dishes that have bold and spicy flavors. Here are some suggestions for food pairings:

• BBQ ribs: The spiciness of Four Roses OESK pairs well with the smoky and spicy flavors of BBQ ribs.
• Spicy chicken wings: The heat from the chicken wings can stand up to the spiciness of the bourbon, making for a delicious pairing.
• Spicy sausage pizza: The spiciness of the sausage and the tomato sauce on a pizza can complement the spiciness of Four Roses OESK.

Conclusion

After tasting the Four Roses OESK, I can confidently say that it is a top-quality bourbon that is worth trying.

If you’re looking for a bourbon that’s a little different from the usual suspects, the Four Roses OESK is definitely worth checking out. Whether you prefer it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, this bourbon is sure to please.

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