Four Roses Private Barrel Selection Barrel Strength OBSK 52.2

Tasting Notes and Characteristics:

Four Roses Private Barrel Selection Barrel Strength OBSK 52.2 opens with a bold, full-bodied presence that makes it perfect for savoring on special occasions or quiet evenings. Bottled at 52.2% ABV, this single barrel bourbon is crafted in the United States using a high-rye mash bill and aged in new American oak barrels, which imparts both complexity and depth to each pour.

On the palate, you’ll find rich layers of dark cherry, baking spice, and caramelized sugar balanced by hints of leather and toasted oak. The robust rye character brings a peppery warmth that pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye steak, enhancing the meat’s charred flavors while cutting through its richness. For dessert, try it alongside dark chocolate—the whiskey’s subtle vanilla and cocoa undertones create an indulgent harmony with bittersweet notes for a truly memorable finish.

Producer Information: Four Roses Distillery

Four Roses Distillery is based in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, a region celebrated for its rich bourbon heritage. The distillery traces its origins back to 1888 when Paul Jones Jr. trademarked the Four Roses name, inspired by a romantic story involving a corsage of roses. Four Roses employs a unique production approach that sets it apart in the bourbon industry: it uses two distinct mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains to create ten different bourbon recipes. This method allows for nuanced blending and results in bourbons with complex flavor profiles characterized by delicate fruitiness, gentle spice, and smooth finishes.

Beyond their flagship bourbons, Four Roses offers an array of expressions that highlight their blending expertise. Their portfolio includes limited edition small batch releases and single barrel selections that appeal to collectors and connoisseurs seeking depth and variety in American whiskey. While they focus exclusively on bourbon rather than diversifying into other spirits like rye or malt whiskey, each release showcases variations in aging time, barrel selection, and recipe composition. This commitment to innovation within the bourbon category has helped Four Roses maintain a strong presence among Kentucky distilleries while attracting enthusiasts interested in exploring subtle differences between each bottling.