Four Roses 8 Year, 11 Month Old “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel OESO Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($64.99)

The first selection from our 2016 trip to Four Roses has arrived and it’s absolutely as charming as we remember it. Aged just a hair short of nine years, this OESO selection has a mash bill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley and uses the O yeast strain known for imparting a rich, full-bodied, and vanilla-laden character onto the whiskey. Bottled at 53.25% ABV, the bourbon is full of sweet oak and baking spices galore on the nose. The palate follows suit with vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves balanced by the sweetness from the charred barrel notes. Simply put, it’s the type of whiskey you look forward to coming home to. It’s full of flavor, never overpowering despite the cask strength power, and balanced on all fronts. It’s not difficult to understand, nor is it hiding many deeper secrets. It shows you everything it has right off the bat: creamy vanilla, lots of sweet spice, and a healthy dollop of oak for good measure. Another winner purchased directly from the Four Roses cellar.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 13, 2017

This barrel of Four Roses is pretty and delicious. It is soft and round with a rich body and vanilla aromas. There is a bright fruity sweetness that makes this single barrel so nice because it is balanced and supple.

Mahon McGrath | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 13, 2017

The OESO is sweet and spicy. There’s plenty of fruit character juxtaposing cedar-y spice and a caramel coated, toasted cereal sweetness. The finish shows good length, but what distinguishes this one for me is the way it manages to have both density and intensity, and yet maintain a brightness and vibrancy despite it. While fully mature and rich, this isn’t one of those foghorn, basso-profondo, cask strength offerings.