Welcome back to the Bourbon Road, roadies! Episode 512 brings a lively gathering around the tasting mat as hosts Jim Shannon and Todd are joined by three special guests — Stanton Holder of Statiki Cigars Company, Charles Mellon of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Lenny LaRussa of Americas, Georgia. Stanton is a returning guest and longtime Bourbon Road supporter, while Charles and Lenny are brand-new roadies experiencing bourbon country for the first time. Fresh off a full day touring downtown Louisville — including a highly praised stop at the Evan Williams Experience — the group settles in for a deep dive into one of Kentucky's most storied and scientifically fascinating distilleries.
On the Tasting Mat:
- Four Roses Single Barrel OBSV (100 Proof): The original Four Roses single barrel expression, featuring the high-rye mash bill (60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley) and the V yeast strain, known for its delicate fruit character. Aged seven to nine years and bottled at 100 proof, this pour opens with an inviting nose of pear, apricot, vanilla, and a touch of peach cobbler, with gentle floral notes that are a hallmark of the Four Roses house style. The palate delivers creamy vanilla, stone fruit, and a light cherry note on the finish. A benchmark for approachable yet complex single barrel bourbon at a friendly price point. *(00:04:52)*
- Four Roses Single Barrel OESK (100 Proof): The first of the red-label releases on tonight's mat, the OESK pairs the low-rye mash bill (75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley) with the K yeast strain, which targets a full-bodied, rich baking spice profile. Aged seven to nine years at 100 proof, this expression greets the nose with cinnamon rolls, brown sugar, and a warm, doughy sweetness. The palate follows through with cinnamon toast, brown sugar, and a custardy, pecan pinwheel quality. A dessert-forward pour with a slightly spicier tingle than the proof alone might suggest, making it an ideal after-dinner sipper. *(00:18:48)*
- Four Roses Single Barrel OBSF (100 Proof): Returning to the high-rye mash bill (60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley), this release pairs it with the F yeast strain, associated with herbal, minty, and full-bodied fruit-spice characteristics. Aged seven to nine years at 100 proof, the OBSF opens with a notably herbal and minty nose — a quality the panel links directly to the elevated rye content working in concert with the yeast. The palate is rear-weighted, settling into baking spice and a gentle warmth at the back of the mouth, with subtle green apple and a lingering finish. A natural candidate for a mint julep build. *(00:39:44)*
- Four Roses Single Barrel OESF (100 Proof): The final pour of the evening combines the low-rye mash bill (75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley) with the F yeast strain for a fascinating contrast to the OBSF. Aged seven to nine years at 100 proof, this expression leans heavily into nostalgia on the nose — bubblegum, cornstarch, and a Necco-candy sweetness. The palate is front-weighted and almost effervescent, with cherry cola and a Dr. Pepper-like pop up front that transitions into ripe berries and a smooth, extended finish. The contrast with the high-rye OBSF clearly illustrates just how dramatically the mash bill shapes the final character. *(00:51:58)*
Tonight's episode is a masterclass in what makes Four Roses unique in the American bourbon landscape — a single distillery producing ten distinct recipes through two mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains. With a panel of newcomers asking sharp, science-forward questions and a passionate cigar and bourbon veteran guiding the conversation, the episode is as educational as it is entertaining. Whether you're a longtime Four Roses fan hunting the elusive OESQ or a new roadie just learning to tell your mash bills apart, there is something on this mat for everyone. Cheers, and we'll see you down the Bourbon Road!
