Four Roses Single Barrel Limited Edition

This bourbon is why the private selections of Four Roses have exploded over the last few years. At a modest age, and a modest proof, this barrel of OESF is killer. There is depth at every step, a near perfect balance between the rye spice and fruity notes, which proves that a thoughtfully crafted 11 year old bourbon can produce quality equalling, and in many cases surpassing that of a much older bourbon.

Nose: Big spice box, cinnamon, clove, and sweet pipe tobacco with huge cherry and apricot notes. Faint barrel sugars of toffee and marzipan lie underneath, but the spice and fruit reign here.
Sip: Perfectly proofed, oily and delicate. A classic bourbon sweetness of vanilla, toffee and a dark caramel/molasses is quickly met with that maraschino cherry from the nose as well as a baked apple. Layers of spice and oak finish the sip, with faint smokey, sweet tobacco, and a ton of baking spice and chocolate that seem to be infinitely evolving with every sip.
Finish: Far sweeter than the nose and sip lead on. The sweetness from the nose lingers with some dark chocolate covered cherries.