Four Roses Single Barrel Recipe OBSK Bourbon Whiskey

A beautifully balanced and elegantly expressive single-barrel bourbon, Four Roses Single Barrel OBSK (100 proof) showcases the distillery’s distinctive recipe precision and craftsmanship. This expression offers lush fruit, warm spice, and a silky texture — a bourbon that feels both bold and refined, perfect for sipping neat or as the foundation of a premium cocktail.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced at Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, this bourbon is part of the celebrated Single Barrel series, where each bottle comes from an individually selected barrel chosen for its exceptional character.

Four Roses’ innovative approach involves combining five proprietary mash bills with two distinct yeast strains to create ten unique recipes. The OBSK recipe reflects one of these combinations:

• O — Mash bill with 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley

• B — The second yeast strain

• S — Indicates use of the second development profile

• K — The second yeast strain applied in fermentation

This particular mash bill and yeast pairing is known for producing spicy, fruit-accented bourbons with a robust aromatic presence. After fermentation and distillation, the spirit is aged in new charred American oak barrels until the flavors are fully integrated. Four Roses selects barrels that best express the OBSK profile and bottles them at 100 proof (50% ABV) — strong enough to deliver intensity while maintaining smoothness and balance.

Critics Reviews & Scores

Professional reviewers and spirits panels consistently rate OBSK Single Barrel highly, placing it in the 92–95 point range among high-quality single-barrel bourbons:

94 Points — Leading Critics
Reviewers praise the bourbon’s lively interplay between dark fruit and spice, noting how the OBSK recipe brings forward rich red cherry, toasted oak, and gentle rye warmth in a seamless balance.

93–95 Points — Industry Panels
Critics highlight its textural complexity and smooth finish, emphasizing that the strength and structure work together to showcase both sweetness and spice without harshness.

Across tastings, the consensus emphasizes the OBSK expression as both approachable for bourbon lovers and rewarding for connoisseurs — a beautifully integrated bourbon that delivers richness without heaviness.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Aromatic and inviting, with ripe red cherry, plum compote, and dark honey at the forefront. Notes of vanilla bean, baking spice, and toasted oak add warmth, while hints of citrus zest bring brightness.

Palate:
Medium-full and richly textured, showcasing caramelized sugar, brown sugar, and dried stone fruit layered with cinnamon, clove, and subtle rye spice. Toasted almond and gentle oak tannins support the mid-palate, giving depth without overpowering sweetness.

Finish:
Warm, smooth, and long, with lingering spice, caramel, and fruit echoes that fade gracefully, leaving a satisfying warmth and complexity that rewards slow sipping.

Quick Overview