Four Roses Single Barrel

When we went to Four Roses this past May to select our newest single barrel, this 10.4yr OESK stole the show. In keeping with our self-imposed tradition, we asked our host to taste us blind and made our selection before having the age and mash bill revealed.

When we arrived, the memory of walking through the same door in 2019 and seeing the legendary Four Roses brand ambassador, Al Young sitting on a stool ready to guide us through our tasting was still fresh in our minds. This time, Mandy, his assistant from our previous tasting was on her own.  Al had passed away on Christmas Day 2019.  Yet, beyond his picture set respectfully on a barrel at the tasting bar, there was something in the air that gave us a sense that he was present. 

I remember the chuckle Al got in 2019 as we got down to our final two, the OBSF and OESK and Renzo struggled to make the final call. He and I both agreed at that time that the OBSF showed brightest but that OESK mash bill was very hard to pass up. The beads of sweat on Renzo's forehead as he stood there trying to figure out whether to sell out and take the OESK or stay true to his palate and go with the OBSF spoke to the stress he was feeling. I remember Al’s trademark wry smile as he gave me a wink and waited for the final decision. Renzo had a very tough choice… select the best barrel we were presented or the take second best one with the mash bill he wanted. In the end, Renzo stayed true to his palate and picked the OBSF.

This year we left nothing to chance. We tasted blind, narrowed our selection down to one final barrel and then asked for its stats and Mandy told us that it was, in fact a 10.4yr OESK. Renzo and I both had a feeling that the legend, Mr. Young, had somehow intervened and had finally given us the coveted mash bill.

Enjoy!

[Note that the link below will go live at 9:30 PM on Friday, Sept 10.  Limit of one bottle per customer.]