Recently, I had the pleasure of trying the Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK, and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed.
This particular bourbon is made using Four Roses’ OESK recipe, which is a high-rye mash bill with a yeast strain that produces a spicy and fruity flavor profile. The barrel strength bottling means that it is bottled at full cask strength, without any dilution, resulting in a powerful and intense flavor experience.
Table of Contents
Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK Overview
Product History
The Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK is a high-quality bourbon that has been aged for 9 years and 6 months. It is made using the OESK recipe, which is one of Four Roses’ Private Selection bourbons. This bourbon is hand-selected by the master distiller for its exceptional flavor profile and is bottled at barrel strength, which means it has not been watered down.
The OESK recipe 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 high-rye mash bill. The “S” indicates that the bourbon was produced at the Four Roses distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
Price Range
The Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK is a premium bourbon that is priced at around $100. It is a limited-edition release that is only available at select liquor stores and online retailers. The price may vary depending on where you purchase it, but it is generally considered to be a good value for the quality of the bourbon.
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Tasting Notes
Aroma
Opening the bottle of Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK, I was greeted with 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
Upon tasting, I was pleasantly surprised by the wave of spice that hit my palate. The flavor was complex and rich, with a deep caramel and brown sugar sweetness that was complemented by the oak spice notes. The vanilla bean was also present, adding a subtle sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
Finish
The finish was long and satisfying, with the oak spice and sweet notes lingering on my tongue. The flavors were well balanced, with no one note overpowering the others.
Rating
Overall, I would rate Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK highly. The complexity of the flavor profile and the well-balanced notes make it a great sipping bourbon. I would give it a rating of 9 out of 10.
Mixing and Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK, I prefer to keep it simple. A splash of water or a couple of ice cubes is all you need to enjoy the full flavor of this bourbon. However, if you prefer to mix your bourbon with something else, I recommend using ginger ale or cola. These mixers complement the spicy and sweet notes of the OESK recipe without overpowering it.
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Cocktail Suggestions
If you’re looking to mix Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK into a cocktail, I suggest trying a classic Old Fashioned. To make an Old Fashioned, muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters in a rocks glass. Add a large ice cube and 2 ounces of Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK. Stir until chilled, and garnish with an orange peel.
Another great cocktail option is a Manhattan. Combine 2 ounces of Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and a dash of Angostura bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.
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Food Pairings
When it comes to pairing Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK with food, I recommend pairing it with rich, savory dishes. This bourbon pairs well with grilled meats, such as steak or pork chops, as well as hearty stews and chili. The spicy and sweet notes of the OESK recipe complement the bold flavors of these dishes.
For dessert, try pairing Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK with dark chocolate or caramel. The sweetness of the chocolate and caramel pairs well with the spicy and sweet notes of the bourbon.
Conclusion
I would recommend the Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK to anyone who enjoys bold and complex bourbons. It’s a great addition to any collection and a perfect choice for sipping on a cold winter night.
Related Posts
If you enjoyed this Four Roses Barrel Strength Single Barrel OESK review, you might also enjoy checking out some of my other whisky-related content. Here are a few of my favorite posts that I think you might find interesting:
- 7 Rye whisk(e)ys you need to try: If you’re a fan of rye whiskies, you’ll definitely want to check out this post. I’ve put together a list of seven of my favorite rye whiskies that I think you’ll really enjoy.
- 10 underrated entry level Scotchs you need to check: If you’re looking for some new scotch whiskies to try, this post is a great place to start. I’ve picked out ten underrated entry-level scotches that are definitely worth checking out.
- 10 Scotch Whisky Fun Facts: If you’re a whisky lover, you’ll definitely want to check out this post. I’ve put together a list of ten fun facts about Scotch whisky that you might not have known before.
- 10 rules to make the most out of a whisky festival: If you’re planning on attending a whisky festival, this post is a must-read. I’ve put together a list of ten rules that will help you make the most out of your experience.
- 5 Whisky & Coffee pairings: If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your whisky, why not try pairing it with coffee? In this post, I’ve put together a list of five whisky and coffee pairings that are sure to delight your taste buds.
