NEW Four Roses Single Barrel - 10yr 3mos 118.6pf

Way back in June, Randall’s Wines & Spirits ran a promo to help choose our next Four Roses Single Barrel. In early August, Tony McLaughlin, the manager of the West County store, met the winner and his three guests at the Four Roses location in Cox Creek, KY to select Randall's next Single Barrel. After 4 1/2 hours driving, he was ready to get down to business. Below are his notes on the whiskey tasting experience:

For those who have not had the opportunity to select a barrel at that location, here is a quick run down: Holly and Mandy run the operation. There are two different mashbills and five different yeast strains, resulting in 10 different choices. One barrel of each whiskey blend is in the tasting room but the barrel heads are covered so you won't know the order. Mandy grabbed a Whiskey Thief, we went down the line, drawing a sample from each, and then we were ready to go.

For the tasting, we were able to go at our own speed. A quick nose of all ten samples and then a quick sip. I very quickly removed two samples. After three times through the lineup, I got a top five. It was actually a top two and three more acceptable choices. All the other participants added their choices and we started to make cuts to the list. I believe the winning barrel was selected by all participants. In my notes, I wrote “Top 3” on the page early in the tasting. I only had “Top 3” on one other sample, so I was very happy that everyone was in agreement.

If you look at the picture of my samples on the lazy Susan, #7 & #10 were the top two choices. They are still in place and have the most gone from the glasses. Samples #2 and #8 were the first two removed in the first round. They had the most in the glass. Samples #3, #5, and #6 were my other acceptable choice and in my top 5.

The winning selection was a 10yr 3mo OBSV. As I look back, it is very typical of my taste. Spice from the high rye and floral notes from the yeast strain. The distillery did not give any info on the positions of the other samples, but the age statements were from 9-12 years.

TASTING NOTES: 
The first thing I don't notice is overwhelming alcohol. The first sniff does not burn from the alcohol. Actually, I really didn't get any from the first sniff. It is 118.6 proof and is very well hidden. Very floral nose - a bit of lilac and lavender. I get a touch of an herbal quality and just a touch of vanilla and caramel.

There is a subtle sweetness from the corn followed by the spiciness from the rye. Neither is overpowering - they both are supportive. I find the flavor is almost chewy on the palate. It goes down nice and smooth, a relaxing warming quality, but still not much burn from the higher proof.

I can honestly say I think I like this more today than I did from the barrel selection. At that time, I had nine other samples to focus on. Today, it’s only this one and it's really a good one!

 

 

Available only at Missouri Randall's locations while supplies last.