• Four Roses K&L Exclusive OESF (10 Years Old, 9 Months) Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon 750ml ($66.99) This past January we tasted another extensive round of Four Roses barrel samples and wound up choosing three more wonderful casks that help to illustrate both the quality and the diversity of the Kentucky distillery’s backstock. The ten year, nine month old OESF is the richest and roundest of the three barrels, despite the fact that it’s a month younger than one of its brothers. At 52.7%, the whiskey has evaporated more liquid and concentrated more oak into the spirit. Big, rich, oaky vanilla starts off the palate, more spice and peppery notes flutter towards the back, and the finish rolls in like a wave of cinnamon, clove, oak spice, and dry, woody notes. This is a classic, well-balanced, beautifully rounded whiskey. It’s of a style that we’re beginning to see less and less of in today’s market. Make this one your first choice.
• Four Roses K&L Exclusive OESK (9 Years Old, 7 Months) Single Barrel Cask Strength B ourbon 750ml ($66.99) This past January we tasted another extensive round of Four Roses barrel samples and wound up choosing three more wonderful casks that help to illustrate both the quality and the diversity of the Kentucky distillery’s backstock. Our nine year, seven month old barrel of formula OESK is a whopping 61.9% ABV with dark, brooding notes of oak and earth on the nose, fading in and out with undertones of burnt sugar and charred wood. The initial sip is all pencil shavings and more earthy notes before exploding on the finish with black cherry, oak spices, and a zippy note of white pepper. This is a rocks whiskey or a high-end Manhattan ingredient. The power and the intensity are best tamed by the addition of water and other ingredients. Not for the faint of heart.

• Jefferson’s K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Reserve Very Old Bourbon 750ml ($45.99) Jefferson’s is one of the few negotiant bottlers left that still has access to real Kentucky Bourbon. Most other second-party labels have moved on to MGP (formerly known as LDI) distillery in Indiana, which makes delicious whiskey, but is rather ubiquitous in today’s market. This single barrel from Jefferson’s mature stocks is one of the softest, more supple American whiskies we have in stock. The focus is clearly the creamy corn and the richness of the spirit. There’s a bit of an herbaceous note on the finish, hints of dried leaves and tobacco, but it’s still just a hint in the soft wave of oak and vanilla. In a store full of “cask strength” and “high rye” selections, this barrel clearly stands out from the pack. This is for those who like their Bourbon smooth.

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA