Four Roses OESV Private Selection Single Barrel 117 Proof

Four Roses Single Barrel OESV Private Selection 117 Proof: A Comprehensive Review

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are perpetually in search of spirits that represent the absolute peak of a distiller’s craft. Within the esteemed Four Roses Single Barrel program, certain selections transcend the ordinary, offering a glimpse into the perfect harmony of recipe, age, and proof. The Four Roses OESV Private Selection Single Barrel 117 Proof is one such expression—a rare bourbon that exemplifies the delicate, floral, and refined side of the Four Roses Distillery at its most potent. This is not just another single barrel bourbon; it is a masterfully selected, cask-strength presentation of one of the most beloved recipes in the portfolio, offering an unparalleled experience of elegance and power in perfect balance.

For the connoisseur who appreciates nuance and complexity, or the enthusiast seeking to understand the profound impact of a masterful barrel selection, this Four Roses OESV expression is a benchmark. This definitive guide will explore the graceful OESV recipe, detail the significance of a Private Selection at 117 proof, and provide a comprehensive Four Roses single barrel review that illustrates why this specific bottling is a crown jewel for any collection of American Kentucky whiskey.

The Recipe for Refinement: Understanding OESV

The soul of any Four Roses Single Barrel is its recipe code. The OESV recipe is widely regarded as one of the most approachable and complex in the lineup, and understanding its components is key to appreciating this selection:

• O: Distilled at the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

• E: The mash bill. This is the low-rye recipe: 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley. This creates a soft, sweet, and grain-forward foundation that is less spicy than its high-rye counterpart.

• S: Designates it as a Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

• V: The defining yeast strain, known for imparting Delicate Fruit characteristics. This yeast is responsible for the beautiful floral and fruity aromas that define this recipe.

The OESV combination results in a straight bourbon whiskey that is inherently graceful, emphasizing honey, apricot, and floral notes over bold spice. It is the recipe that most clearly demonstrates the “roses” in Four Roses bourbons.

The Art of the Private Selection: Why This Barrel is Special

The standard Four Roses single barrel bourbon (which is always OBSV) is a stellar whiskey, but the Four Roses Single Barrel Private Selection program is where the true magic happens. This program allows seasoned retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store to visit the distillery and sample barrels from various recipes, hand-selecting only the most exceptional ones.

This particular Four Roses OESV Private Selection was chosen for its spectacular expression of the recipe at 117 proof. This Four Roses barrel strength OESV selection means:

• Uncompromised Flavor: The whiskey is bottled directly from the barrel without dilution, preserving the full spectrum of flavors and oily texture.

• Perfect Proof Point: 117 proof (58.5% ABV) is a sweet spot for many bourbon aficionados. It provides enough power to carry intense flavors without overwhelming the palate with ethanol heat, allowing the delicate OESV characteristics to shine through.

• Curated Excellence: This barrel was not chosen at random. It was selected because it represents a best barrel bourbon batch—a quintessential example of what the OESV recipe can achieve with the right age and warehouse location.

A Symphony of Flavor and Power: A Sensory Four Roses OESV Review

A Four Roses single barrel of this 117-proof OESV is an exercise in discovering how power and delicacy can coexist. The high proof does not mask the recipe’s character; it amplifies it.

• Nose: The aroma is an intense yet beautiful bouquet. The high proof immediately carries waves of scent, beginning with pronounced honey, ripe pear, and apricot jam. The signature floral notes of the V yeast—reminiscent of rose petal and honeysuckle—are bold and clear. Beneath this, layers of vanilla bean, cinnamon, and a hint of toasted almond provide a warm, baking-spice foundation. Despite the proof, the nose is not harsh but rather incredibly inviting and complex.

• Palate: The first sip is a revelation of texture and layered flavor. The mouthfeel is rich, oily, and coating—a direct benefit of the Four Roses single barrel cask strength bottling. The initial wave is a burst of creamy caramel, baked apple, and stone fruit sweetness. Mid-palate, the flavors deepen, revealing notes of dark honey, marzipan, and a soft, baking-spice warmth from the 20% rye content. The proof provides a vibrant, tingling energy that elevates every flavor without introducing bitterness or excessive heat. It is a straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey of breathtaking balance.

• Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, warm, and evolving. The fruity and floral sweetness gradually recedes, leaving behind a lingering, elegant tapestry of vanilla, gentle oak, and a final, haunting whisper of floral honey and spice. The 117 proof ensures this finish lasts for minutes, a satisfying and contemplative end to a superb tasting experience.

This bourbon demands to be savored neat. A few drops of water are highly recommended to open up the more delicate floral and fruity notes even further, making an already complex experience even more expansive.

The Connoisseur’s Choice: The Rarity of This Selection

Finding a Four Roses OESV for sale at any proof is a treat. Finding one as a Four Roses Single Barrel Barrel Strength OESV Private Selection at 117 proof is a rare opportunity. Its status is driven by several factors:

1. Limited Single Barrel Yield: A single barrel yields only 150-200 bottles. Once this specific barrel is gone, it is gone forever.

2. Recipe Rarity: While OESV is a known recipe, it is less common than the standard OBSV in widespread distribution, making a Private Selection a prized find.

3. Proof Perfection: The 117-proof point is highly sought after for its ideal balance of flavor concentration and drinkability.

4. Expert Curation: The Rare Finds Liquor Store selection guarantees that this bottle has been vetted for excellence, separating it from a random single barrel pick.

This is the dedicated service Rare Finds Liquor Store provides. We don’t just sell whiskey; we curate experiences, bringing hand-selected, proof-specific treasures to a discerning clientele.

Investing in Liquid Art: Understanding the Value

The Four Roses single barrel price for a Private Selection is a reflection of its exclusivity, quality, and proof. While higher than the standard single barrel, it represents exceptional value for a cask strength, hand-picked expression.

When you acquire this Four Roses OESV Single Barrel, you are investing in a singular tasting experience. You are securing a bottle that represents the pinnacle of the delicate and floral flavor profile, amplified to its most expressive form. The Four Roses whiskey price for this expression is justified by its unparalleled quality and the meticulous selection process behind it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does this OESV Private Selection differ from the standard Four Roses Single Barrel?
A: The standard Four roses single barrel barrel strength​ is always the OBSV recipe (high-rye, delicate fruit) and is bottled at 100 proof. This Private Selection is an OESV recipe (low-rye, delicate fruit), selected by our experts for its superiority, and bottled at its natural cask strength of 117 proof. It’s a different recipe, a higher proof, and a curated selection versus a standard offering.

Q2: Is 117 proof too high for someone who usually drinks lower-proof bourbons?
A: While 117 proof is robust, the beauty of a Four roses single barrel barrel strength​ bottling is that you are in control. You can enjoy it neat if your palate is accustomed to higher proof, or add a few drops of water to bring it down to your preferred level. This unlocks even more flavor and makes it more approachable, offering the best of both worlds.

Q3: What makes the OESV recipe special compared to other Four Roses recipes?
A: The OESV Four Roses recipe is unique for its emphasis on soft, delicate, and floral flavors. The combination of the low-rye mash bill and the “V” yeast creates a bourbon that is less about spicy punch and more about aromatic complexity and elegant fruitiness. It’s often described as the most “feminine” and nuanced of the ten recipes.

Q4: How can I find this specific Private Selection for sale?
A: This specific barrel is an exclusive offering of Rare Finds Liquor Store. It will not be found through general searches for “bourbon for sale near me.” Your only path to acquiring it is through our store. We are a premier destination for those looking to buy bourbon whiskey online and access exclusive single barrel picks.

Q5: What does “Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey” guarantee?
A: This legally protected designation ensures the whiskey was:

• Bourbon: Made from a grain mix of at least 51% corn.

• Straight: Aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels.

• Kentucky: Distilled and aged in the state of Kentucky.
  This Four Roses OESV proudly meets and exceeds these standards.

Q6: Why should I buy this bottle from Rare Finds Liquor Store?
A: Rare Finds Liquor Store is built on a foundation of expertise and curation. We taste through numerous barrels to select only the most exceptional ones for our clients. When you purchase this Four Roses OESV Private Selection, you are buying a bottle that we have personally endorsed as a standout example of the recipe. We guarantee its provenance and quality, making us one of the best place(s) to buy bourbon online.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Expression of Elegance

The Four Roses OESV Private Selection Single Barrel 117 Proof is more than a whiskey; it is a statement. It proves that high proof can be synonymous with elegance and that complexity need not be aggressive. It is a masterful expression that showcases the refined, floral heart of the Four Roses Distillery in its most pure and powerful form.

For the discerning palate that seeks both intensity and nuance, this bottle is not just a recommendation; it is an essential experience.

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are proud to offer this masterpiece of balance and flavor. We invite you to secure your bottle and experience the pinnacle of what a Four roses straight bourbon single barrel can be.